Basketball begins

It was a tough night for the NR-S Rockets in the first game of the 2024-25 girls basketball season Monday night, Dec. 2, in Carrington.

In a cross-classification battle between the Division A Cardinals and the Rockets in Division B, NR-S, with just 10 dressed players throughout the program this season, learned the meaning of pressure.

The Cards' relentless man-to-man defense forced 23 total Rocket turnovers, and senior forward Edyn Hoornaert posted double figures in both points (19) and rebounds (10) to deliver a 72-27 victory for Carrington in the resumption of the long-standing rivalry series.

"We had intensity on defense, and a balanced and deep offensive effort," CHS Head Coach Andy Braaten said. "It was a good opening win for our girls."

Carrington rolled out to a 23-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, as NR-S could manage just single field goals from Emmie Belquist and Ava Peterson in the first eight minutes of play.

The balance for CHS during that quarter was evident, as Hoornaert led seven different Cardinal players who got into the books with six points. Kenadie Pazdernik also had five of her seven points in the opening stanza, including a three-pointer.

In the second quarter, Peterson heated up for the Rockets. The junior would tally 11 of NR-S's 13 points, with the other field goal coming from Jaida Schumacher. At the half, Carrington still maintained a healthy 47-17 advantage.

Braaten's team used their bench advantage with fresh players throughout the contest and much of the second half, while NR-S went with a six-player rotation during the game.

Hoornaert went 7-for-13 from the field for Carrington, including three-pointers on four trips down the floor.

Harper Kollman had a great effort off the bench for the Cardinals, as the sophomore had 10 points and a team-high six steals. Isabel Wendel also had a well-rounded game with nine points, eight assists and five steals.

The one area of concern for Carrington was their free-throw shooting, as they converted just three of nine attempts.

Peterson led NR-S with 17 points, and the Rockets also received four points apiece from Belquist and Addy Fandrich.

Because of the Rockets' low numbers, both the junior high and junior varsity games ran just three quarters so as to not violate statewide policy regarding playing time limits.

In the JV game, Aniston Hoornaert scored 27 points to lead the younger Cards to a 52-15 win over the Rockets.

Carrington (1-0) began Region 2 play this past Friday, Dec. 6, with a home game against the Grafton Spoilers, and resume their conference obligations Tuesday night, Dec. 10, when they host HCV.

NR-S (0-1) hopes that things come out more rosy at the three-day CNDC Tournament in Harvey, which ran Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 5-7.

The Rockets get back to regular season play Tuesday night, Dec. 10, when they host the North Star Bearcats, and are back on the floor Thursday, Dec. 12, for another home game with Napoleon/Gackle-Streeter. Both contests are non-district affairs.

Inter-Division

Girls Basketball

Carrington 72, NR-S 27

Monday, Dec. 2

at Carrington

NR-S 4 13 4 6 - 27

Cgtn. 23 24 19 6 - 72

NR-S: Ava Peterson 17, Emmie Belquist 4, Addy Fandrich 4, Jaida Schumacher 2. Totals: 13 FG, 1-3 FT, 6 fouls. Three-pointers: None.

Carrington: Edyn Hoornaert 19, Harper Kollman 10, Isabel Wendel 9, Kaydence VanRay 8, Kenadie Pazdernik 7, Aniston Hoornaert 5, Marah Johnson 5, Brynn Smith 5, Maara Kutz 4. Totals: 30 FG, 3-9 FT, 11 fouls. Three-pointers: E. Hoornaert 4, H. Kollman, Pazdernik, A. Hoornaert, Johnson, Smith.