K-W rallies past Winona Cotter
Mara Quam and her Kenyon-Wanamingo squad blasted Winona Cotter by 33 just before Christmas. Saturday's rematch in the Subsection 1AA title game looked like a totally different script, though the ending remained the same. After dropping 41 in the first…
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Continue ReadingMara Quam and her Kenyon-Wanamingo squad blasted Winona Cotter by 33 just before Christmas. Saturday's rematch in the Subsection 1AA title game looked like a totally different script, though the ending remained the same.
After dropping 41 in the first meeting, Quam had more turnovers than points at halftime as the Ramblers methodically claimed a 21-17 advantage.
The star senior heated up after the break to finish with a game-high 20 as her Knights rallied for a 50-40 victory. K-W held Cotter scoreless for more than 6 minutes while reeling off 12 straight points that turned a 31-27 deficit into a 39-31 lead.
Cotter missed 4 FTs in the last minute to prevent a dramatic finish, like Tuesday's scene when the Ramblers knocked off top-seeded PEM, the defending Class AA state champ.
MVP — Savannah Bleess
She looked like the only Knight who was awake in the first half of this morning game. The 5-8 senior guard finished with 11 points and was the best rebounder on the floor. I didn't see the final stats before jetting to the other gym, but I bet she had at least 12 boards and 4 steals. She keyed the second half rally too, hitting a triple and recording a couple assists — including the go-ahead hoop by Quam. Her body language on the court isn't always great, but she's a player I expect will help Saint Mary's right away next year.
Best scorer — Quam
She finished with 20 points, but it was an ugly game for her. She finished with 7 turnovers and missed a handful of bunnies inside that typically go down. Still, she continued attacking and scored 12 points at the charity stripe. She's a mature scorer who stepped up when she had to, though she'll be a college volleyball player.
Best moment
K-W hasn't particularly played well in a few weeks now, but the veteran lineup — 4 seniors and a junior — continues to find ways to win. No play exemplified that better than the middle of the second half when the Knights turned four straight offensive boards into a game-tying basket by Tess Hokanson.
Best defender — Josie Huelskamp
She's only 5-5, but she's sturdy with quick feet and good hands. She didn't actually guard Quam, but I actually liked her physicality, too. Huelskamp is a plus scorer too, knocking down two treys in this one and pumping in 26 against PEM.
Best passer — Gabby Bowlin
She might have lost a little explosion after tearing her ACL last season, but her court awareness remains great. She got to the middle of the paint a couple times and showed great patience while waiting for traffic to clear before pinpointing a drop pass for a layup. She's a capable scorer too, finishing with 8 points, though she struggled some from the line. Her foot speed isn't great, as she struggled to contain Quam last time and spent zero time on her in this one. Haven't heard if she's made a college decision yet.
Unsung hero — Jane Koll
The 5-7 senior forward was everywhere for Cotter when things were going well, including sending the Ramblers to half with a 21-17 lead after a driving hoop at the buzzer. However, she managed just a trey after the break when things bogged down.
Top underclassmen
I'll pick one from each team. Cotter sophomore Isabel Northrup looks like she'll be a player for Coach Pat Bowlin. The 5-7 forward came off the bench to score four points and jump a passing lane. Perhaps more telling, Bowlin called two plays for her coming out of timeouts. I expect she'll step in and be a solid starter next year.
K-W doesn't have much to choose from in terms of underclassmen, but freshman forward Riley Dummer came off the bench to give the Knights a big lift. The 5-8 wing isn't much of a ball handler, but confidently stroked two long jumpers — one beyond the arc and one with a toe on the line. She'll need to diversify her game next year, but that's a good starting point.