Somerset girls basketball tries to compete with Durand

• Anna Siggens

Somerset senior guard Anna Siggens (20) works around a Durand defender during last Tuesday’s game.

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Facing one of the top teams in the Middle Border Conference without its most experienced player made last Tuesday’s game even more challenging for the Somerset girls basketball team.

The Spartans did have some good stretches in the game, but turnovers and a low shooting percentage caused the Spartans to lose 54-32.

Somerset coach Kendrick Livers said there were several bright spots in his team’s performance. The Spartans gave a credible defensive effort, including limiting reigning MBC Most Valuable Player Lexi Harmon to 10 points.

The Spartan also gave a dedicated effort in terms of rebounding, finishing with 35 rebounds for the game. That was led by 13 rebounds from Baily Paulus and nine from Sarah Krig.

Through the first quarter the Spartans were competitive with Durand, trailing 15-10 heading into the second quarter. In the second and third quarters the Spartans struggled with turnovers and missed shots. Durand started the third quarter with a 12-0 run, but the Spartans finished the quarter by outscoring the Panthers 7-2.

Livers was pleased that the Spartans didn’t give up in the game. They outscored Durand 10-8 in the fourth quarter, playing much more crisply than they had the previous two quarters.

Missing from the game for the Spartans was senior guard Sadie Gilbertson, who was dealing with the effects of a recent concussion.

Livers said several players had good stretches in the game. Maddie Berends came in to sink two three-pointers in limited playing time. Madison Wall led the team with three assists and three steals and she also contributed seven rebounds. Natalie Moses came off the bench to grab five rebounds.

Seven different Spartans scored in the game, led by seven points from freshman Sam Flandrick. Livers said if the team can continue with such balanced contributions after Gilbertson returns, it should make them a tougher team to face.

The Spartans return to action this Friday with a game at Baldwin-Woodville. Somerset’s next home game will be played next Tuesday, with a visit from Prescott.

Tags: sports, spartans, basketball, prep