In a commanding performance, the Lakeview girls basketball team defeated Ortonville 83-33 on Thursday, showcasing an aggressive fast-paced offense and an effective full-court press from the start. Building a substantial 50-19 lead by halftime, the Lakers dominated the game, forcing a running clock and allowing little chance for the Trojans to mount a comeback.
Ortonville, still seeking its first win of the season, struggled to cope with the relentless pressure from Lakeview, resulting in 26 steals for the Lakers, many leading directly to scoring opportunities. Head coach Mike Imes emphasized the importance of a strong start while also advocating for respect towards their opponent: “We wanted to get off the quick start, get our press going, and then realize that we’re not going to press when it got to a certain point,” he said.
Brynn Stensrud was standout with a team-high 19 points, making three baskets from beyond the arc, in addition to three assists and four steals. Anah Schmidt contributed 15 points, while Brook Gunlogson added 9 points, 5 assists, and 7 steals. Furthermore, Carmen Varpness led the team’s rebounding effort with 10 boards, contributing to Lakeview’s total of 48 rebounds.
The Lakers have maintained a strong season record of 11-4, showing resilience after previous losses and have not lost back-to-back games throughout the season. After an intense matchup against MACCRAY that ended in a narrow 57-56 defeat just days prior, the Lakers regrouped impressively to assert their dominance over Ortonville.
The game started with a quick 19-2 run for Lakeview, showcasing their focus and determination. Lakeview’s emphasis on teamwork and executing set plays was evident as they consistently found opportunities both in transitions and inside the paint. Imes remarked on the crisp passing and execution exhibited by the girls, highlighting their effectiveness in controlling the tempo and running the offense smoothly.
As the second half progressed, Lakeview continued to rotate players, allowing everyone a chance to contribute, including Jerica Selbo, who scored her first varsity points, cheered on by her teammates.
Looking ahead, Lakeview anticipates a challenging matchup against the 10th-ranked Central Minnesota Christian, which is set for Tuesday evening. Coach Imes expressed confidence in his veteran team, stressing the value of competing against higher-ranked opponents as they prepare for the playoffs: “We know going up there is always difficult, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
In summary, Lakeview’s strategic gameplay and teamwork led to an impressive victory, setting a positive tone as they approach future challenges.