EGF girls beat Climax-Fisher
Steve Guststeve@page1publications.com
Mike Kasowski was more than surprised with Ashley Mertens’ play last Tuesday evening.
The Climax-Fisher head girls basketball coach knew the Green Wave had several talented players, but he was still amazed by Mertens.
“Mertens was a big surprise,” Kasowski said. “We had a hand in her face and she still made shots.”
Mertens scored a career-high 24 points to lead the Green Wave to an 87-40 victory over the Knights in girls basketball action.
The win kept the Wave’s winning streak alive, which now stands at nine. The loss snapped the Knights’ four game winning streak.
Mertens hit six straight 3-point baskets, helping the Green Wave take a 39-15 lead at the half.
“Ashley is a very talented player,” Green Wave head coach Durene Frydenlund said. “She has a very nice shot. She brings instant offense to our team.”
Chelsey Frydenlund added 18 points for the Green Wave, most of which came in the team’s 48-point second half. The coach’s freshman daughter impressed Kasowski.
“Frydenlund is so smooth,” he said. “We ran a box and one on Mertens, and Frydenlund just took over.”
Kate Warmack added 14 points for the Wave. The Green Wave also got a lift from Kacie Reardon. The senior captain returned from an injury to score five points in limited action.
“We certainly noticed her presence,” Frydenlund said. “She isn’t at 100 percent, but having her leadership skills on and off the court helps.”
Meredith Egeland led the Knights with 16 points and eight rebounds. Brittany Tronnes chipped in with eight points and five rebounds.
“We were totally out-played,” Kasowski said. “They have a solid team.”
EGF extended its winning streak to nine games with a 76-59 win over Thief River Falls. It was the second time in two weeks the Green Wave have beaten the Prowlers.
Warmack dominated the game with 21 points and 14 rebounds.
“We really stressed rebounding before the game,” Frydenlund said. “It was nice to see Kate’s performance.”
The Green Wave took a 17-3 record into Tuesday’s rematch with Crookston, after this edition of The Exponent went to press. The Pirates defeated the Green Wave earlier this year and are currently ranked number one in Minnesota Class AA basketball.
The Knights also lost to Fertile-Beltrami last week. Climax-Fisher trailed by as many as 15 before narrowing the deficit to just one late in the second half. However, the Falcons ended the game with a run to earn a 68-60 victory.
Kasowski was pleased with Egeland (18 pts.), Kaia Korynta (13 pts.) and Tenniel Kasowski (13 pts.).
The Knights got back on the winning track Monday with a 70-47 win over Waubun.
Eleven different players scored for the Knights, led by McKenzie Bruer’s 16. Bruer, who sat out most of the first half of the season because of an illness, has elevated her game since returning.
She was 7-of-10 from the field and added 8 steals and 4 assists.
“She had a breakout game,” Kasowski said. “We’ve been waiting for her to have it.”
Stephanie Wagner chipped in with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Kelsey Melsa, just a freshman, added 11 points and six rebounds.
The Knights are now 11-10 on the year.