The Pequot Lakes Patriots achieved a thrilling 49-46 overtime victory against the Spring Lake Park Panthers during the Granite City Classic on December 27, 2023. This win marked the second consecutive triumph for the Patriots, showcasing their resilience and determination in a closely contested matchup.
Leading the charge for Pequot Lakes was Chelby Wothe, who contributed significantly with 15 points. Her performance was complemented by June Ruud, who added 11 points, while Emersyn Sullivan and Alexa Pietig each chipped in 9 points. The game was a defensive battle, with both teams showcasing strong efforts on that end of the court.
In the first half, the Patriots established an early lead, scoring 24 points to the Panthers’ 13. However, Spring Lake Park rebounded in the second half, narrowing the gap and eventually forcing the game into overtime. The final score reflected the competitive nature of the contest, with Pequot Lakes securing the narrowest of victories.
The scoring summary for the game was as follows:
Spring Lake Park: Lyla Behnke 8, Anne Wright 4, Kendall Krause 2, Anna Smolich 12, Julissa Jackson 2, Jaelyn Bursey-Dixon 16, Greta Solem 2.
Pequot Lakes: Emersyn Sullivan 9, Olivia Den Hartog 3, Chelby Wothe 15, Alexa Pietig 9, June Ruud 11, Claire Loge 2.
With this win, the Patriots improved their overall record to 6-3. They are scheduled to host Mesabi East on January 3, 2024, providing an opportunity to continue their winning momentum.
In a previous game on December 26, Pequot Lakes also triumphed over the Southwest Christian Stars with a decisive score of 63-45. Chelby Wothe again led the team, scoring 19 points. Other key contributors included Alexa Pietig with 14 points, June Ruud with 11 points, and Emersyn Sullivan with 10 points.
The scoring breakdown for that game was as follows:
Southwest Christian: Ellie Kramer 1, Marissa Kelly 5, Siri Viger 9, Sarah Young 9, Kjersten Hochne 5, Brynn Rains 3, Abby White 8, Abby Harmon 5.
Pequot Lakes: Emersyn Sullivan 10, Clare Foote 2, Olivia Den Hartog 2, Brooklin Hansen 3, Chelby Wothe 19, Alexa Pietig 14, June Ruud 11, Gracen Knudsen 2.
The recent performances from the Pequot Lakes Patriots illustrate their competitive spirit and teamwork as they look to maintain their strong form in the upcoming matches. With key players stepping up, the team appears poised for further success in the season ahead.
