SPASH Girls Basketball Wins Conference Finale
By Robert Whitmire
The SPASH Girls Basketball team rolled over Wausau East 90 – 23 at the fieldhouse Thursday night on senior night. The win assures the Panthers of a share of the Wisconsin Valley Conference title with an 11 – 1 record.
SPASH turns its attention to WIAA tournament play kicking off their post season run Friday, February 23 when they play host to Eau Claire Memorial. Game time is set for 7:00 pm at the fieldhouse.
The Panthers were in total control of the game from the opening tip racing to a 43 – 6 halftime advantage off the hot shooting of Rachel Sullivan (8 pts.) and Leah Earnest (10 pts.).
Following the game senior Halle Pavelski reflected on her time with the program. “It’s been great to be able to play with the girls who I grew up playing with,” said Pavelski. “These girls have been my family and it’s great to end it with them. “Winning conference was probably the best feeling. We have worked so hard and it’s great to see it all pay off.”
Senior Maggie Negaard led all scorers on the night pouring in 18 points. Madisyn Rogan added 15 and Leah Earnest lit up the board with fourteen for SPASH.
The Panthers hit thirty two 2-pointers, six 3-pointers and went 8 of 9 at the charity stripe.
“I think we are very prepared for tournament play, said Pavelski. “We bust it every day in practice for these opportunities and we will continue to work for more. We just need to take it one game at a time.”
The SPASH junior varsity wrapped up its season with a 64 – 29 win over the Lumberjacks. Izabelle Eppinger dropped in 14 points to lead the Panther attack. Kylie Klismith added 12 and Joleece Pecore chipped in seven on the night.
Scoring:
SPASH Varsity: Maggie Negaard 18; Madisyn Rogan 15; Leah Earnest 14; Maddie Fink 11; Rachel Sullivan 10; Brooklyn Seefeldt 5; Halle Gregorich 5; Kaylin Kostuchowski 3; Jenna Bohanski 3; Rachel Lummis 2; Halle Pavelski 2, Kaylee Hintz 2.
Wausau East: Grracie Reineking 12; Gaby Braatz 3; Elizabeth Boulanger 2; Tiffani Schwede 2.
SPASH JV: Izabelle Eppinger 14; Kylie Klismith 12; Hailey Carlson 10; Joleece Pecore 7; Kirsten Hill 4; Rachel Placeway 4; Sami Huebner 4; Alyssa Standifer 4; Faith Weddle 3; Kelsie Kostuchowski 2.