The Oconto Falls High School girls basketball team defeated Marinette 34-20 behind another strong performance by a duo of guards and the defensive presence of a senior on Thursday at Marinette.
Oconto Falls senior Elizabeth Manns scored a team-leading 14 points, had six rebounds, two steals and an assist. Junior Bailey Wolf had 12 points with six rebounds and two steals.
“They both had their best game of the year and rebounded well and did well defensively,” Oconto Falls coach Mike Kaczmarek Jr. said.
Senior starter Kayla Virtues had three rebounds and two steals against conference rival Marinette (0-4, 0-2 Bay).
Kaczmarek credited Virtues, who started every game for the Panthers last year, for providing a strong presence in the low post.
“Kayla has been playing well for us. She had a great defensive game,” Kaczmarek said.
Junior forward/guard Madison Helmle contributed offensively and defensively for Oconto Falls (2-1, 1-0 Bay Conference), scoring the team’s third most points with six, and also had three rebounds and two assists.
Meanwhile, the two offensive threats have been the top Oconto Falls scorers in the first three games of the season.
Manns and Wolf combined for 27 of Oconto Falls’ 41 points in their first win of the season Dec. 2 at Menominee (Michigan). Manns had 16 and Wolf had 11 in that game.
Virtues led all Panthers with nine total rebounds, eight defensive, in the team’s first win of the season. She also added three points and an assist.
Sophomore forward Jennifer Krueger was third on the team with 11 points, Helmle contributed four, and Virtues had three.
Manns scored 19, and Wolf notched 11 in the Panthers’ 42-38 season-opening loss at Antigo Nov. 20.
Kaczmarek said both scorers acknowledge they need to step up this season in order for the team to remain competitive.
“Manns has been a great leader for us this year. She knows she has to score 15 to 20 points for us,” Kaczmarek said. “Her and Wolf know they have to carry the load.”
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