The Agate girls basketball team started their season with three strong performances, splitting a pair of games with Duluth Marshall and Ely before beating Floodwood Monday evening at home.
Marshall, which looks to compete for the state tournament, dropped the Agates 75-68. Coach Dan Lillegaard was very pleased. “We ran the floor well and put on a lot of defensive pressure. We had three or four kids in double digits and that really helps. I am pleased that we are playing well, but not really surprised. I knew we had some good athletes who have worked hard during the off-season.”
Karly Holm scored twenty-four points to lead the team. She also broke the Agate threepoint record when she hit her 130th career three-pointer.
Karly, who plans on playing college basketball, says her team does better by moving the ball. “In the past one or two people would run the floor, but this year it is everyone getting down the floor and getting involved in the offense.”
Senior Madison Carlson says her team gets along well and there is no drama. “We have fun everyday. During captain’s practices, I like the way we do fun stuff with the younger girls. Everyone stays close and I think it shows in the way we are playing. We are all working hard and are very determined to go far this season.”
Monday evening, the Agates started slow against Floodwood and were behind by two points at halftime. Coach Lillegaard said, “Clearly we were not quite ready to play. We had a ‘conversation’ at halftime and we were a different team in the second half.” The Agates outscored their opponent by twenty-two points after halftime to gain the 56-36 win. Karly Holm again led the Agates, this time with twenty points.
This Friday, the Agates play at Northwoods High School in Cook, MN.
