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REDWOOD FALLS — Kenzley Pater dropped in a career-high 15 points as Pipestone Area Schools girls basketball continued its winning ways.
Pater made good on six field goals, including a 3-pointer, and she was 2-of-3 from the free-throw line as the Arrows soundly defeated Redwood Valley 84-51 in Big South Conference action Friday, Dec. 12.
“It was awesome that Kenzley had a breakout scoring game,” PAS head coach Grant Everson said. “She is one who gives us so much. A lot of what she brings may not get noticed. She is a massive part of our team. I think you will see more nights like this from her in the near future.”
Pipestone Area Schools’ Kenzley Pater (white jersey) battles for possession of the ball with Redwood Valley’s Harmony Wabasha (33) during the first half of a Big South game Friday, Dec. 12. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
What’s more, Pater contributed seven rebounds (three offensive) and two assists.
Overall, four Arrows entered double-digit scoring paced by Wayne State College recruit Jadyn Kor with 29 points, Taryn Tuinstra 18 and college prospect Amyra Mahik (15).
“To have a balanced scoring attack like we had was huge,” Everson explained. “Jadyn is going to be a team’s main defensive focus in every game we play, so we are going to need girls to step up like they did (here).”
Tuinstra continues improving as a scorer, and Mahik’s confidence is growing with each passing game.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Amyra Mahik uses a screen to drive past Redwood Valley’s Addison Thomes during a Big South Conference game on Friday, Dec. 12. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
PAS made good on 32-of-60 field goals (53.3 percent), 9-of-22 3’s (40.9%) and 11-of-17 free throws (64.7%).
The Arrows lead was double digits less than six minutes into the game, and they were comfortably ahead 46-21 at intermission.
PAS (6-0) had a 38-point lead three times during the second half, including 79-41 after a Pater layup inside. The state-mandated running clock was in effect for a portion of the game.
Josie Danks contributed highs in assists (six) and steals (four). Mahik was the Arrows’ leading rebounder with nine, and Tuinstra added eight boards. Four of Avery Reinhard’s five caroms were on the offensive end.
Everson was satisfied with the Arrows’ patience on offense, getting “good looks.” But, he said defense will be the focus during upcoming practices.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Avery Reinhard defends a shot attempt from Redwood Valley’s Harmony Wabasha.(Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Redwood Valley’s Chantkiya Wabasha was her team’s leading player with 19 points, including two 3’s and several free throws.
Arrow Notes
After this past Tuesday’s game versus rival Luverne, PAS travels to Fairmont Friday and St. James Area Monday, Dec. 22.
Fairmont, with star Baylee Miller, is undefeated — including a 73-28 thrashing over Jackson County Central on Dec. 12. The team also has wins over state-ranked New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva, Luverne, Redwood Valley and Blue Earth Area.
Class A No. 2 rated Sleepy Eye-St. Mary’s is the only team to beat St. James Area so far, 83-62, on Monday, Nov. 24. Since then, the Saints have rattled off victories over Redwood Valley, Maple River, JCC and Windom Area (98-81).
“These next two weeks so important,” Everson said. “I think it’ll be a good gauge of where we are as a team. We still haven’t played to our potential, and we will need to clean some things up to have success. I am excited for the opportunity ahead of us.”
Look for a complete holiday basketball schedule in the Christmas edition of the Star (Thursday, Dec. 25).
Redwood Valley head girls basketball coach Pete Nez talks to his team during a timeout. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
INFORMATION
Girls Basketball
Big South Conference
Friday, Dec. 12
At Redwood Falls
Pipestone Area 84,
Redwood Valley 51
Halftime Score
PAS 46, Redwood Valley 21
Pipestone Area Schools’ Jadyn Kor (13) attempts to drive to the basket while defended by Redwood Valley’s Grace Blare during a Big South Conference game on Friday, Dec. 12. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
PAS scorers
Avery Reinhard, 2; Kenzley Pater, 15; Josie Danks, 5; Jadyn Kor, 29; Taryn Tuinstra, 18; Amyra Mahik, 15
3-Pointers (9): Kor, 3; Mahik, 3; Tuinstra, 2; Pater; Personal fouls: Arrows, 9; Fouled out: None; Technical fouls: None
Redwood Valley scores
Chantkiya Wabasha, 19; Lilyana Dixon, 8; Grace Blare, 2; Kate Jacobson, 8; Melayna Nez, 11; Ellery Larsen, 3
3-Pointers (3): Wabasha, 2; Larsen; Personal fouls: Cardinals, 16; Fouled out: None; Technical fouls: None