The Crookston Pirates Girls’ Basketball team had a 14-game winning streak snapped this past Saturday with a loss to Perham. They were looking to respond in a big way on Tuesday night when they hosted Section 8AA opponent Pelican Rapids in a game played at the University of Minnesota Crookston inside of Lysaker Gymnasium. Crookston used multiple offensive rebounds and their tenacious defense for a 68-40 bounce-back win over the Vikings. “I liked the way we competed tonight,” said Pirates Head Coach Darin Zimmerman. “We moved the basketball well, were really unselfish, and found open shooters when we needed to. We also were very strong defensively tonight.”
FIRST HALF –
Pelican Rapids had a strong start to the game, cashing in on a three, but after a three from Emma Osborn, things were tied up at 3-3. The Vikings continued to score early, and after a slower start from Crookston, Pelican Rapids found themselves in front 12-10. The name of the game for the Pirates in the first half was offensive rebounds. Crookston had several second-chance opportunities and was able to use those chances to go on a 15-4 scoring run to take a 25-16 lead with five minutes remaining in the first half. “Offensive rebounds was something that was on the board in the locker room before the game,” said Pirates Head Coach Darin Zimmerman. “As we get into this stretch run we want to show up in that area and create second-chance opportunities and the girls took that to hear tonight.” Emma Osborn and Halle Winjum led the charge for the Pirates, combining for 22 of the Pirates 35 first-half points. “Those two were very solid all night,” said Pirates Head Coach Darin Zimmerman. “Halle (Winjum) did a great job being aggressive tonight, and we know Emma (Osborn) is a good shooter and if she gets open for a shot there is a good chance it’s going in.” After the teams traded a few baskets, Crookston would score the last five points of the half on a three from Emma Osborn, and a layup from Emma Gunderson, and the Pirates would take a 35-21 lead into the halftime break. Crookston had seven different players score in the first half and hit six three-pointers to help build the lead. Pelican Rapids was led by 8th grader Morgan Korf with 16 of the teams 21 points in the first half.
SECOND HALF –
The game was never closer than 14 the rest of the way. Crookston began the half on a 13-2 run as Emma Osborn and Halle Winjum continued to lead the charge. The duo scored the first 14 points of the second half for Crookston. Eventually, the Pirates went on another scoring run and before you knew it, they held a 57-25 lead with under 10 minutes to play. Many others then started to contribute for Crookston from that point on, as 11 different Pirates scored during the game, including Sophomore Isabelle Smith scoring her first career varsity points. “It was certainly fun to get everyone involved,” said Pirates Head Coach Darin Zimmerman. “For Isabelle Smith that was her first career Varsity points and the bench knew it as well and gave a great reaction so it was fun to be a part of that and overall it was a great night for our team.” The game was never in doubt the rest of the way and Crookston picked up a nice 68-40 win over a Section 8AA opponent.
With the win, Crookston improves to 18-3 on the season and will be back in action on Thursday night when they host Norman County East/Ulen-Hitterdal. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. inside the Crookston High School and the game will be on the KROX Live Video Stream. Pelican Rapids drops to 12-9 with the loss.
1st | 2nd | Final | |
Pelican Rapids | 21 | 19 | 40 |
CROOKSTON | 35 | 33 | 68 |
For CROOKSTON | Points | Rebounds | Assists/Steals |
Emma Osborn | 21 | 1 | 3 steals |
Halle Winjum | 16 | 9 | 5 assists/3 steals |
Abby Borowicz | 6 | 5 | 2 assists/1 steal |
Hayden Winjum | 4 | 1 | 2 assists/3 steals |
Emma Gunderson | 4 | 1 | 1 assist/2 steals |
Libby Salentine | 4 | 1 | 1 assist |
Bailey Cameron | 3 | ||
Isabelle Smith | 3 | 2 steals | |
Ally Perreault | 2 | 4 | 2 blocks |
Jenna Coautte | 2 | ||
Amelia Overgaard | 2 | 1 | 2 steals |
For Pelican Rapids | Points |
Morgan Korf | 16 |
Tori Stephenson | 10 |
Kia Nelson | 6 |
Kelsey Isaman | 2 |
Hazel Haugrud | 2 |
Ellie Welch | 2 |