Azure’s 37 pace Lady Jays

The Waseca High School girls' basketball team found itself facing some genuine adversity at Jackson County Central Saturday, Feb. 4.

Kloe Wadd, the Bluejays' leading scorer and rebounder, was whistled for fouls early and often, which limited her to 14 minutes in the game.

Sam Azure answered the call.

Azure, a 5-foot-7-inch senior, put up a career-high 37 points as the Bluejays won 56-47.

"She was phenomenal on Saturday afternoon in a game we needed to have a chance to win our Big South pod," said Waseca coach Joan Conway.

Azure's 37 points put her in a tie for third-most all-time in Waseca girls' basketball history. Wadd scored 37 points earlier this season.

On Saturday, though, she spent much time on the bench watching as the Bluejays built a 26-19 halftime lead.

Azure finished with 37 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals. Wadd totaled 8 points, 8 rebounds and a steal. Otheers: Megan Kanewischer 5 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist; Avery Madsen 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist; Mia Kanewischer 2 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 blocked shot; Callie Dufault 1 point, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal; Addie Wiesler 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal.

Rylie Cother scored 27 for JCC, Maci Farmer 14. Three others scored 2 points each.

Waseca shot 39 percent overall on field goals, 4-for-19 on threes and 12-for-18 on free throws to JCC's 33 percent, 3-for-17 and 10-for-14. The Bluejays, outrebounded 41-37, committed 12 turnovers to JCC's 17.

The WHS girls started fast and never looked back at Blue Earth Area Feb. 3, leading 30-14 at halftime on their way to a 55-37 triumph.

Individually: Wadd 22P, 13 R, 1A, 3S, 2B; Azure 16P, 3R, 3A, 1 S; Madsen 9P, 7R, 1A, 1S, 2B; Krautkremer 3P, 1R, 2A, 2S; Wiesler 3P, 1R, 2A, 1S; Megan Kanewischer 1P, 3R, 3A, 3S; Lexi Kanewischer 1B; Callie Dufault 1R, 1A; Ella Dufault 1R; Grace Guritz 1R.

Chloe Groe led BEA with 11 points and Sophie Kiester scored 10.

The Bluejays outscored the Bucs 32-8 in the paint and outrebounded them 34-28. Waseca had 13 turnovers, BEA 23.

The WHS girls lost a home contest 53-44 to Fairmont Monday, Feb. 6. The Bluejays shot just 28 percent from the floor and were outrebounded 35-31. Waseca had eight turnovers, Fairmont 15.

Individually: Wadd 12P, 12R, 1B; Azure 10P, 3R, 1A; Megan Kanewischer 9P, 3R, 1A, 1S; Madsen 8P, 3R, 1A, 3S; Wiesler 4P, 3R, 1A, 3S; Mia Kanewischer 5R, 3A, 2S.

The Bluejays dropped a 61-57 decision at New Ulm Tuesday, Feb. 7. Wadd scored 19, Azure 15, Mia Kanewischer 11.

Waseca hosts St. James Friday, Feb. 10 and entertains Belle Plains Thursday, Feb. 16