Aitkin at Pierz

Recap

Turnovers marred the the Aitkin Gobblers debut in the Section 7-2A Girls Basketball Tournament which led to a 53-22 loss to the Pierz Pioneers Thursday night.

The #14 seed Gobblers got off to slow start against the #3 seed Pioneers as the half court defensive pressure forced 18 turnovers in the first half all while trailing 34-15 on the scoreboard. Pierz were able to work their offense by working the ball around and hitting shots led by Kiara Olesch’s 12 points and Katie Leidenhort’s added 9.

Pierz opened the 2nd half on a 14-0 run with the Gobblers struggling getting the back across half court. When Aitkin was able to establish an offensive presence, post player Rae Nyberg and Emma Skaj did most of the work. Nyberg finished with 9 points and Skaj tallied 4, while combining for 6 points. The Pioneers ended up outscoring Aitkin 19-7 in the 2nd half to advance to the Quarterfinals of the Section 7-2A Tournament against Crosby-Ironton Saturday from Hermantown High School.

Pierz is now 21-6 on the season. Aitkin finishes their at 7-19 and marks the final appearances of seniors Jillian Cline, Rae Nyberg, and Sophie Snyder.

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Aitkin Stats (5-7 FT; 13 rebounds; 30 turnovers): Rae Nyberg 9pts, 4rebs; Emma Skaj 4pts, 2rebs; Ella Janzen 3pts, 3rebs; Jillian Cline 2pts, 1reb; Abby Palm 2pts, Camille Parenteau 1reb

Pierz Stats (4-9 FT; 18 rebounds; 13 turnovers): Kiara Olesch 12pts, 4rebs; Katie Leidenfrost 11pts, 5rebs; Britaey Schommer 11pts; Ashley Kimman 8pts, 6rebs; Lily Riley 4pts, 2rebs; Alyssa Sadlovsky 3pts; Kenna Otte and Emma Walcheski 2pts; Kyla Krych and Samantha Brau 1reb