Girls Basketball: Z-M overcomes slow start against Cannon Falls

The Zumbrota-Mazeppa girls basketball team started slow but still pulled out a 54-35 victory over Cannon Falls Tuesday in Zumbrota.

Senior Ashley Hinsch scored 16 points to lead the Cougars (12-11, 7-4 HVL Blue) and junior Laura Brunner added 10 points. Junior Amber Jentsch finished with 13 points and eight points.

Sophomore Courtney Woodcock led the Bombers (3-21, 1-10 HVL Blue) with 16 points and eight rebounds. Senior Natalie Reinardy tallied six points, four rebounds and seven assists.

Z-M led 21-17 at halftime but played sluggish in the opening half, Cougars head coach Scott Paukert said. In the second half, the Cougars pushed the pace and forced turnovers to extend the lead.

“Our intensity level just picked up in the second half,” Paukert said. “We got a few turnovers and were able to capitalize.”

Cannon Falls committed 21 turnovers in the game but held a slight advantage in rebounding at 27-23. Despite the lead, Bombers head coach Eric Mace said the Cougars’ rebounds led to more second chance points.

The Bombers made 15 of 43 shots while Z-M shot 21 of 52 from the field.

The Cougars host Lake City Friday and Cannon Falls play Kenyon-Wanamingo Friday at home.

Tags: girls basketball, cannon falls, sports, prep, zumbrota, mazeppa