Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883

Thunder get struck

Belquist, O'Connor dominate the floor for New Rockford-Sheyenne

On Monday, Feb. 7, the New Rockford-Sheyenne Rockets traveled 40 miles south to take on the Medina-Pingree/Buchanan Thunder in the Pingree high school gymnasium. The Rockets were on a 2-game winning streak, and were ready to make it three.

But before this matchup could begin, the M-P/B Thunder recognized their three seniors; Ryleigh Martin, Abigail Reich and Briallen Thu. Congratulations to these three seniors on their 2021-22 basketball season.

Now let's move on to the game. With the tip going in the favor of the Thunder, Allison Thomas took an opportunity to drive to the basket to score the first points of the game.

Although the Thunder were fast, they just couldn't seem to keep up with the Rockets. NR-S senior Kennedy Demester was hot at the 3-point line. Just in the first quarter, she put in two of her three 3-pointers, along with shooting a field goal and one free-throw. But Demester wasn't the only Rockets' player taking advantage of the 3-point line. Freshman Kaiya O'Connor's first points of the night were from a 3-pointer.

On the Thunder side, Lilly Bohl was able to score a 3-pointer along with a field goal.

The first quarter ended with the Rockets up 16-13.

The second quarter was the start of many turnovers, in the Rockets favor mostly. The Thunder just simply couldn't keep a hold of the ball. And when they did, the Rockets fought for the jump ball.

At half time, the Rockets led the Thunder 30-21.

Turnover after turnover, that's the name of this game. Kelsie Belquist was able to breakaway and score five field goals in the third quarter, mainly from turnovers. Although Thomas put in a 3-pointer, the multiple free-throws missed aided the Rockets entirely. In just the third quarter, six free-throw shots were missed by the Thunder. Demester drained another three to secure a 17-point lead over the Thunder.

The fourth and final quarter of the night. Will the Rockets fall and take this hard loss or will they come out victorious? Let's find out. NR-S junior Madisen Myhre drove into the basket, securing the field goal and was sent to the line after a foul. Myhre put in one of two free-throws. The same happened with Belquist.

O'Connor really shined in the fourth quarter. O'Connor and Belquist work together so well on the court, on both offense and defense. With some miraculous passes from Belquist, O'Connor was able to score two field goals in the fourth quarter. With seven seconds left on the shot clock, Rockets fans were shouting "Shoot!" and O'Connor took the opportunity to secure her second 3-pointer of the night, scoring the final points for the Rockets.

With a minute left on the scoreboard, Martin attempted to drive to the basket but was stopped dead in her tracks by O'Connor, who had planted her feet and hoped for the best. The referees called a foul on Martin and sent the ball back into the Rockets' possession. At the sound of the buzzer, the Rockets had defeated the Thunder 62-40.

Belquist, O'Connor and Demester all scored in the double digits for the Rockets, with 17, 14 and 12 respectively.

As for the Thunder, Martin and Thomas scored in double digits with 13 and 10 respectively.

The Thunder junior varsity girls defeated the Rockets 34-27. Kalen Kinzell and Alaina Bosche led the Thunder with eight points each. Addysen Fandrich led the Rockets with seven points, with Ava Peterson following behind with six. This matchup was the last junior varsity game of the season, finishing 6-8 overall. Congrats on a great season!

Non District

Girls' Basketball

Monday, Feb. 7

NR-S 62, M-P/B 40

at Pingree

NR-S 16 14 19 13 - 62

M-P/B 13 8 11 8 - 40

NR-S: Kelsie Belquist 17, Kaiya O'Connor 14, Kennedy Demester 12, Mya Cudworth 8, Ava Peterson 6, Madisen Myhre 5. Totals: 20 FG, 7-15 FT, 15 fouls. 3-pointers: Demester 3, O'Connor 2. Fouled out: Cudworth.

M-P/B: Ryleigh Martin 13, Allison Thomas 10, Lilly Bohl 8, Maddie Gefroh 5, Abigail Reich 2, Isabel Schmidt 2. Totals: 11 FG, 9-19 FT, 14 fouls. 3-pointers: Thomas 2, L. Bohl 1.

Junior Varsity

NR-S 27, M-P/B 34

NR-S 7 4 6 10 - 27

M-P/B 10 6 11 7 - 34

NR-S: Addysen Fandrich 7, Ava Peterson 6, Tillie Swart 4, Lora Wobbema 4, Logan Cudworth 2, Addison Wallace 2, Bailey Jacobson 2. Totals: 13 FG, 1-4 FT, 13 fouls.

M-P/B: Kalen Kinzell 8, Alaina Bosche 8, Maddie Gefroh 5, Samantha Reister 4, Sophie Bohl 4, Abigail Ryun 2, Kayley Mittleider 2, Savannah Reister 1. Totals: 15 FG, 4-16 FT, 9 fouls.

 
 
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