Somerset girls basketball team has lost its way

• Ellie Vanasse

Somerset senior Ellie Vanasse slices between a pair of New Richmond defenders to score in the second quarter of Friday’s game.

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An offensive swoon has dropped the Somerset girls basketball team out of contention for the Middle Border Conference title.

The Spartans have dropped three straight games, including setbacks against Prescott and New Richmond last week when Somerset was held under 30 points in both games.

The losing streak has dropped the Spartans to 6-5, tied for third place in the MBC standings with Prescott.

Friday’s loss at New Richmond was an alarming performance from the Spartans. With eight seniors on the roster, the Spartans were vastly more experienced than New Richmond’s girls. But the Spartans looked like the inexperienced team as they turned the ball over more than 30 times.

New Richmond had extended scoring stretches at the start of each of the first three quarters that put the Spartans in a bad spot. New Richmond jumped out to a 9-2 lead in the first quarter. After Somerset cut the margin to 12-6, New Richmond scored the first 11 points of the second quarter.

Late in the second quarter the Spartans put together a charge that raised hopes that they could be competitive in the second half. The Spartans outscored New Richmond 9-1 in the last 3:40 of the half to shave the Tigers’ lead to 26-16.

The thoughts of a Spartan comeback were silenced quickly in the third quarter. Turnovers cropped up again in a big way for the Spartans, allowing New Richmond to start the half on an 11-0 run. The Spartans were never in contention again.

Senior Ellie Vanasse led Somerset with seven points. Guards Sadie Gilbertson and Paige Wagner each scored six points.

Last Tuesday, the Spartans lost at Prescott 44-29. Coach Kendrick Livers said this game was similar to the New Richmond loss, with the Spartans having far too many turnovers. Prescott sat in a 2-3 zone defense and the Spartans struggled to generate shots against it.

Bridget Kieckhoefer led the Spartans with 12 points at Prescott. Livers said Carley Seibel also gave a good effort at Prescott.

This Thursday, the Spartans play at home, when Ellsworth’s girls visit. The Spartans take to the road next Tuesday, for a game at Amery.

Tags: sports, somerset, spartans, basketball, prep