By Pat Garry, Staff Writer
On Tuesday, Feb. 8, Kimball (15-5) traveled to Osakis (14-5) for an important section matchup. In the first few minutes the Cubs connected on field goals by junior Ellie Kuechle and sophomore Ava Molitor, putting the Cubs up, 5-3. The Silverstreaks exploded, however, as they connected from all over the floor, especially at the 3-point line. Hence, they took a commanding 46-25 lead into half-time.
Ellie Kuechle’s field goal to start the second half cut the lead to 46-27, but the Cubs never get any closer. Osakis shot 15-28 from the 3-point line, and in fact, they shot well throughout. Molitor led the Cubs offensively, scoring 16 points, while junior Lexi Myers made (two) second-half post field goals, along with a 3-pointer by junior Morgan Streit. Kimball could not make a significant scoring run of their own, however, and Osakis won going away, 74-51.
Kimball stats
Madelyn Hunt, 8 points, 3 steals; Brookelyn Kuechle, 2 assists; Olivia Mortenson, 4 rebounds; Ellie Kuechle, 11 points, 8 steals; Ava Molitor, 16 points, 6 rebounds; Morgan Streit, 3 points; Lexi Myers, 4 points; Natalie -Loehrer, 1 assist; Kristen Hilbert, 9 points, 8 rebounds.
ACGC game
Kimball hosted the ACGC Falcons Thursday, Feb. 10, as the Cubs looked to bust out of a 3-game losing streak. Sophomore Ava Molitor scored first for Kimball, followed by field goals from juniors Ellie Kuechle, and Kristen Hilbert, a 3-ball by E. Kuechle; then five straight points by Hilbert, as Kimball jumped all over the Falcons, 13-2, before five minutes had elapsed. Senior Madelyn Hunt connected on a three to make it 18-6 Cubs, then sophomore Allie Leither scored underneath to make it 32-15. Junior Olivia Mortenson hit Kimball’s (ninth) three of the first half, and that was followed up by a free-throw from sophomore Brookleyn Kuechle, to give Kimball a 45-20 lead at the half-time break.
Highlights in the second half, compliments of junior Lexi Myers, scoring to put Kimball up 68-31. Also junior Morgan Streit drained a trey to make it 77-31 and junior Emma Schmitz, playing aggressively in the post, got to the free-throw line twice in the final minutes, as Kimball cruised to a 79-33 conference victory.
Kimball stats
Madelyn Hunt, 12 points, 6 assists, 4 steals; Brookleyn Kuechle, 1 point, 1 assist; Olivia Mortenson, 12 points, 6 assists, 3 steals; Allie Leither, 4 points, 5 rebounds; Ellie Kuechle, 22 points, 7 assists, 5 steals; Ava Molitor, 4 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals; Emily Krohn, 1 rebound; Morgan Streit, 3 points, 1 assist, 1 steal; Emma Schmitz, 1 rebound; Lexi Myers, 2 points, 1 rebound; Kristen Hilbert, 19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals; (Notables: Kimball forced 26 turnovers while committing only 9 turnovers. Kimball was 12/19 on three-point field goals (63%). Kimball is 9-2 in the CMC, currently in first place with three CMC games to play and five teams still alive for the CMC title. Kimball’s overall record moves to 16-6 on the season).
“It’s amazing how easy the girls make it look when they finish offensive possessions by converting high-percentage shots. It was really enjoyable to see them play well and enjoy this victory. Hopefully this leads to confidence and continued success down the stretch run!” Coach Jeremy Kuechle declared.