St. Peter stymies WHS girls

Waseca High School girls' basketball coach Joan Conway says the St. Peter Saints have some phenomenal players and are well coached. Translation: they're tough to beat.

The Bluejays tried but fell short at St. Peter Monday, Jan. 23, falling 69-49.

"They are so gifted offensively," said Conway.

Rhyan Holmgren and Annika Southworth were particularly effective for the Saints, scoring 24 and 19 points, respectively.

The Saints led 36-22 at halftime. They shot 64 percent overall on field goals, including 13 of 23 from three-point range, while Waseca shot 42 percent while making four of 12 threes.

For the Bluejays: Kloe Wadd 17 points, 8 rebounds; Mia Kanewischer 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists; Sam Azure 7 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal; Megan Kanewischer 5 points, 4 assists; Addie Wiesler 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist; 2 steals; Callie Dufault 1 point, 1 rebound,.1 assist; Ella Krautkremer 1 point, 1 steal; Ella Dufault 2 rebounds; Avery Madsen 1 rebound.

The Bluejays found themselves trailing visiting Jackson County Central 30-24 at halftime Friday, Jan. 27. They responded with a sensational second half to come out on top 56-51.

"We let our shooting struggles impact our energy and execution for a majority of the first half," said Coach Conway. "I'm proud of how the girls responded."

The Bluejays shot 41 percent from the floor, JCC 38. Waseca sank nine threes, three each by Madsen and Mia Kanewischer and two from Azure.

Individual totals: Madsen 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal; Wadd 14 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Mia Kanewischer 9 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals; Wiesler 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Azure 6 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals; Megan Kanewischer 2 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals; Callie Dufault 2 rebounds.

The Bluejays upended St. Clair 53-38 Saturday in a nonconference Coaches vs. Cancer game at Minnesota State-Mankato. Waseca was up 35-23 at halftime.

"It was really fun for the girls to play at MSU-Mankato," said Conway. "We were able to play using the shot clock. Lots of kids stepped forward with great games, both offensively and defensively."

Nine of the Bluejays' baskets came on three-pointers, three each by Azure and Mia Kanewischer, two by Madsen.

Waseca totals: Azure 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals; Mia Kanewischer 13 points, 6 rebounds; Madsen 12 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals; Wadd 6 points, 14 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 blocked shot; Callie Dufault 5 points, 1 rebound, Megan Kanewischer 1 rebound, 5 assists, 2 steals; Wiesler 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal.

The Jays lost a nonconference game at Waseca Monday, Jan. 30 and lost 66-62. Wadd and Azure scored 17 points apiece, Megan Kanewischer 10.

The Bluejays, 11-5 overall and 3-0 in the Big South East Division, play Friday at Blue Earth Area and Saturday at Jackson County Central.