Lee Scores 30 as NRHEG Pulls Away from Medford

The NRHEG boys had a great offensive night in topping Medford 78-53 Friday at New Richland. But coach Isaiah Lundberg talked about his defense right after the game, "I thought our defense actually came out was pretty good. They didn't get a shot off in the first two minutes into the game."

Freshman Daxter Lee led the offensive charge with 30 points, including five three-pointers. Lundberg says Gopher Conference teams are getting to know him well, "He's had games up and down lately now that conference teams know who he is." Lee leads the Panthers averaging 13 points per game.

The game was back and forth early with several ties. The last of those came at 14-14 as NRHEG went on a 10-0 run. The Panthers led 34-21 at halftime. Medford scored the first two baskets of the second half to narrow the gap to nine. NRHEG responded with another 10-0 run and led by double-digits the rest of the way.

Junior Jack Olson scored 16 and senior Ashton Johnson added 15 for NRHEG. It was senior night in New Richland. In addition to Johnson seniors include Kordell Schlaak, Dakota Neste and Dylan Loken. The Panthers (4-9) play at Blooming Prairie Tuesday, March 2.

The Tigers were led by 16 points apiece from AJ Vandereide and Henry Grayson. Jeff Westergaard chipped in 10. The Tigers (2-10) go to Hayfield Tuesday.

The Medford girls edged NRHEG Friday 60-58 on a strong night at the free throw line. The OHS boys basketball team fell behind Mankato West early and fell 73-59. The Huskies girls hung with West but lost 55-41. The OHS gymnasts scored their high total of the season (144.350) in outscoring Faribault.