MINSTER — Time of possession isn’t usually a big deal in basketball.
On Tuesday, however, the Minster girls used their defense to set up the offense in a 47-22 nonconference win over Celina.
After a chaotic first quarter that saw the Lady Wildcats lead 7-3, they were able to hold the ball for long stretches in the second and third and limit Celina’s time with the ball. They had a 12-point lead at the half, and continued to build it as the game wore on.
Coach Mike Wiss of Minster (7-6) said, “We shared the ball well. We were able to touch three or four sides of the floor.” He added that the Wildcats do better when they take time to make the opponent work and eventually get higher-percentage shots.
At the other end, “I was really pleased with our post defense,” said Wiss.
He added, “I want to play to win, not not to lose. But if you make the defense move, it creates gaps.”
The Lady Wildcats had balance on offense, with Broke Clune, Lilly Barhorst and Sadie Niemeyer each scoring eight, and Kaycie Albers getting six.
For Celina (3-9), Taylor Klingshirn and Kyilla Billingsley each scored seven.
Barhorst got the game’s first score in the opening minute of play.
Billingsley put the Lady Bulldogs on the board with a free throw.
Barhorst then scored again for a 4-1 lead.
The Lady Cats picked up five fouls in the first few minutes, including two on Katie McClurg. McClurg then sat out the rest of the half.
Klingshirn scored for Celina with five minutes to go.
The rest of the period saw both sides force turnovers, with neither able to add to its total.
With 48 seconds to go, Albers hit a corner threepointer to make it 7-3.
Minster boosted its lead with scores by Anna Larger and Albers in the second period.
It took over half the quarter for Celina to connect again, with Rachel Rammel hitting a shot.
Clune answered with a three-pointer to make it 145.
After another Celina score, Minster finished the half with more ball control. They got two free throws by Clune and a three by Niemeyer to make it 19-7 at intermission.
Celina’s Amelia Lutz scored at the start of the third.
Minster took some time, with Barhorst setting up a score by Lydia Mescher.
Klingshirn hit for Celina.
Barhorst lined up and connected on a baseline jumper. Minster then tied up the ball on the ensuing inbounds.
The Lady Wildcats would hold Celina scoreless for the rest of the frame, while adding a few points on free throws. Going to the fourth, Minster was up 26-11.
To start the final quarter, Hemmelgarn took a cross-court pass from Niemeyer and fired up a three from the corner. That hit nothing but net.
It was followed by scores from Addi Inskeep and Niemeyer, both after the defense made stops before Celina could get a shot.
That run pushed the lead over 20 points, which proved beneficial as Celina was finally able to get a few buckets in the next few minutes.
Minster got scores by Mescher on a putback and Clune from long distance to keep things comfortable.
Celina’s final points came on a basket and free throw by Klingshirn.
Minster got a three at the top of the arc by McClurg, a score by Barhorst, a free throw from Niemeyer.
The win was capped off with a 3-pointer by Chloe Thien, drawing a huge cheer from the crowd.
Game Notes
Minster won the JV contest by a score of 35-12. Scoring for Minster: Annie
Hemmelgarn 12; Abriana Wuebker 6; Ava Stammen 5; Reece Albers 4; Jenna Belcher 3, Kendyl Bergman 3; Keri Heckman 2.
Minster (2-2 MAC, 7-6) will host Versailles on Thursday night.
Score by quarters Celina 3 4 4 11 -- 22
Minster 7 12 7 21 -- 47
CELINA (22) Rachel Rammel 1-0-0-1-2; Jacci Felver 0-0-0-0-0; Allana Carroll 0-0-0-0-0; Kenlee Holstad 0-0-00-0; Taylor Klingshirn 3-0-1-1-7; Alex Kimmel 0-0-0-0-0; Kira Dirksen 0-0-0-0-0; Brooke Baucher 1-00-0-2; Amelia Lutz 1-0-0-0-2; Kate Braun 0-0-0-0-0; Kyilla 3-01-2-7; Peyton Bertke 0-0-0-0-0; TOTALS 10-0-2-4-22.
MINSTER (47) Katie McClurg 0-10-0-3; Brooke Clune 0-2-2-2-8; Chloe Thien 0-1-0-0-3; Kaycie Albers 1-1-1-2-6; Kendyl Bergman 0-00-0-0; Lydia Mescher 2-0-0-0-4; Morgan Sparks 0-0-0-0-0; Lilly Barhorst 4-0-0-2-8;
Sadie Niemeyer 1-1-36-8; Anna Larger 1-00-0-2; Lyndi Hemmelgarn 0-1-0-2-3; Kayla Lamm 0-0-0-0-0; Kennedy Korte 0-00-0-0; Addi Inskeep 1-0-0-0-2; TOTALS 10-7-6-14-47. ————
