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Bearcats battle back for win against Saints

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL: NORTH BUTLER 44, ST. ANSGAR 39 (FRIDAY) | HAMPTON-DUMONT 58, NORTH BUTLER 43

Bearcats battle back for win against Saints

Experience leading North Butler this season

The girls’ basketball team from North Butler is already off to a better start than they were last year, with help from a 1-1 weekend record against Saint Ansgar and Hampton-Dumont this weekend.

The Bearcats (3-3, 3-1 TOIC) were able to hold on for a conference win against the Saints on Friday night.

Taking a 22-15 lead into halftime, the Bearcats allowed the Saints to climb back. But after key defensive stops in the fourth quarter, the Bearcats were able to squeeze out their third conference victory of the year.

Head coach Kevin Clipperton said the early success this year has to be credited to the experience his girls have obtained.

“They’ve learned a lot from last year,” Clipperton said. “We were in some spots to win games last year and we just couldn’t pull it off. We didn’t have a lot of varsity experience, so I think when we get in those situations this year, the girls know what to do.”

Sophomore Nicole Heeren posted 17 points and four rebounds and two assists Friday night.

Teammate Jenny Rottler had nine points in the win against the Saints, with four rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Saturday’s game with Hampton-Dumont was a “uncharacteristic” game for the Bearcats, Clipperton said.

“When we got down, we stopped playing with energy,” Clipperton said.

North Butler turns right around to face an opposing Osage team on Dec. 15. Clipperton said his team will be working on taking care of the ball more, knowing the Green Devils will surly run a press against his girls.

Then the Bearcats will get a week-long break from live action before coming back to play Nashua-Plainfield on Dec. 22 before hitting winter break.

The game against Osage begins at 6:15 p.m. on the road.

FRIDAY STAT LEADERS

Points: Nicole Heeren, 17 points; Jenny Rottler, 9 points Rebounds: Nicole Heeren, Jenny Rottler, Hallie Testroet, 4 rebounds; Madi Pleas, Emy Osterburh, 3 rebounds Assists: Jenny Rottler, 5 assists Steals: Jenny Rottler, 5 steals

SATURDAY STAT LEADERS

Points: Jenny Rottler, 13 points; Haley Landers, Marcy Jacobs, 8 points Rebounds: Jenny Rottler, Nicole Heeren, 6 rebounds; Haley Landers, 5 rebounds Assists: Jenny Rottler, 6 assists Steals: Hallie Testroet: 2 steals

Staff report

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