6A Championship Underwood vs Hancock

Recap

GBB 6A Championship Underwood vs Hancock at Fergus Falls

Underwood used a first half of playing  outstanding basketball offensively and defensively to lift them back into the state tournament.  The Rockets successfully defended their 6A Girls Basketball championship defeated Hancock, 71-61 in front of a capacity crowd in Fergus Falls Friday night.  This was the third game played between those two teams this season. It also marked the third straight season the two teams have played for the section 6A championship. Hancock won it in 2022 when they won the state championship. Underwood won the title game last year. Hancock took a quick 4-0 lead, the fast start they were hoping to have.  Underwood responded with the next seven points,  the game was then tied at 7-7,10-10 and 12-12.  From their,  the Rockets launched to a high level with a 17-2 and a 29-14 lead.  Hancock used three time outs and defensive changes from man to zone and trapping —  Underwood’s ball movement and shooting percentage was too good– and, defensively, it was the best they’ve played all year as stated by players in the postgame show.  Underwood led 40-23 at halftime.  Underwood started strong in the second half to increase the lead to 25 points, 52-27 with 14:27 to play.   Hancock was able to create some turnovers,  make some field goals in the next three minutes to cut the lead to 52-39.  Underwood regrouped to convert some possessions into field goals or made free throws to keep a double digit lead.  A late 3-point field goal for Hancock made it a 71-61 final score with the Rockets celebrating a return trip to the state tournament in which they finished as consolation champions last year.   Underwood has won nine consecutive games, now 27-3.  Two of the three losses as stated previously were to Hancock,  the other loss was to Perham–  Perham won the 8AA championship over Pelican Rapids Friday night to advance to the state tournament. Hancock has it’s season end at 27-3.

Underwood stats:  23 rebounds, 8 turnovers, 13 of 17 free throws

Underwood scoring:  Liz Lukken 29 ( 6 rebounds) Trinity Baker 12, Kallyn Grove 13, Mily Albjerg 3, Ezra Baker 14 ( 5 rebounds)

Hancock stats: 25 rebounds, 13 turnovers, 8 of 9 free throws

Hancock scoring:  Karleigh Rohloff  4. Kaitlynn Rohloff 16, Kaitlyn Staples 17, Misti Zempel 17, Brooke Versteeg 5 ( 9 rebounds) Taylor Nesvig 2

comments from Underwood coach Brian Hovland