The Luverne girls’ basketball team went 2-1 in their first three games of 2022.
The Cardinals lost to Marshall 41-33 on Jan. 4 before defeating Windom 88-39 Friday and Canby 60-33 Monday.
Luverne, now 10-2 on the season, was scheduled to play in Tracy Tuesday, Jan. 11, and will play in Jackson Friday night.
Marshall 41, Luverne 33
The Luverne girls’ basketball team traveled to Marshall Jan. 4 to take on the always strong Tigers.
While the Cardinals didn't upset the Tigers, the 41-33 loss to Marshall was a learning experience for the team, according to head coach TJ Newgard.
“I think what the girls took from the game is that when we play our game, we can play with them (Marshall),” Newgard said. “Our girls are excited for a second chance in a couple of weeks.”
After a very low-scoring first half, Marshall led 12-8 at halftime.
“It was a turnover fest in the first half,” Newgard said.
In the second half, the Tigers outscored the Cardinals 29-25 to earn the eight-point 41-33 victory.
Luverne's Elizabeth Wagner led all scorers in the contest with 17 points, while adding eight rebounds.
Cardinal Kira John pulled in 13 rebounds.
Box Score
C. Wagner 2 0 0-0 4, Beyer 0 0 2-2 2, Ver Steeg 2 0 2-2 6, Sehr 1 0 0-0 2, E. Wagner 6 0 5-8 17, Stegenga 0 0 0-0 0, Jocelyn Hart 0 0 0-0 0, John 1 0 0-0 2, Hansen 0 0 0-0 0
Team Stats
Luverne: 12 of 32 (38 percent), 9 of 13 free throws (69 percent), 26 rebounds, 26 turnovers
Marshall: 14 of 50 (28 percent), 6 of 8 free throws (75 percent), 31 rebounds, 22 turnovers
Luverne 88, Windom 39
The Cardinals had little trouble with the Windom Eagles when they came to the Luverne Classic Gym Friday night.
The Cardinals led 51-23 at the half and defeated Windom by 49 points, 88-39.
“I thought we did a great job of rebounding the basketball and getting out in transition,” Luverne head coach TJ Newgard said.
“We had about a 30-rebound advantage in the game, and that's going to lead to a lot of extra possessions.”
Elizabeth Wagner tallied 13 rebounds in the contest, while Kira John collected 11.
Luverne, shooting 54 percent from the field, made 38 total shots compared to Windom’s 12. Ten Cardinals scored in the game, compared to six Eagles.
“We had a lot of girls contribute and that’s always great to see,” Newgard said.
Elizabeth Wagner scored 35 points for Luverne, while Brooklynn Ver Steeg scored 13 and Christina Wagner added 12.
Box Score
C. Wagner 4 1 1-1 12, Beyer 1 1 2-2 7, Ver Steeg 5 0 3-3 13, E. Wagner 16 0 3-7 35, Stegenga 1 0 0-0 2, Jocelyn Hart 0 0 1-2 1, Sandbulte 0 0 0-0 0, John 0 0 0-0 0, Smith 0 0 0-0 0, Serie 3 0 0-1 6, Voorhees 0 0 0-0 0, Hansen 1 0 0-0 2, Schmuck 2 0 0-0 4, Jadyn Hart 0 0 0-0 0
Team Stats
Luverne: 38 of 71 (54 percent), 10 of 16 free throws (63 percent), 54 rebounds, 15 turnovers
Windom: 12 of 56 (21 percent), 7 of 13 free throws (54 percent), 27 rebounds, 22 turnovers
Luverne 60, Canby 33
The Canby Lancers girls’ basketball team came to the Luverne Classic Gym Monday night for a non-conference game, and the Cardinals defeated the Lancers 60-33 for Luverne’s 10th win of the season.
Averill Sehr led a well-balanced Cardinal offense with 14 points, including three three-point baskets.
Brooklynn Ver Steeg and Elizabeth Wagner scored 13 points each, while Christina Wagner added 12 points.
“We aren't like other teams because everyone who comes off the benchis able to score,” Sehr said.
“Although we have strong scorers, teamscan't just leave one of us open. I think that's what's special about our team.”
Box Score
C. Wagner 4 0 4-7 12, Beyer 1 0 2-2 4, Ver Steeg 5 1 0-0 13, Sehr 1 3 3-5 14, E. Wagner 6 0 1-3 13, Stegenga 0 0 0-1 0, Jocelyn Hart 0 0 0-0 0, Sandbulte 1 0 0-0 2, John 1 0 0-0 2, Serie 0 0 0-0 0, Voorhees 0 0 0-0 0, Hansen 0 0 0-0 0, Schmuck 0 0 0-0 0
Team Stats
Luverne: 23 of 53 (43 percent), 10 of 17 free throws (59 percent), 24 rebounds, 14 turnovers