A late game rally fell short for the B-squad girls in their season opener on Monday, and they fell to host Kenyon-Wanamingo 30-24.
After the Knights came out of the gate with a three, Valentina Rohlfing drove the baseline for the Clippers first bucket. On a pair of trips to the foul line and two inside baskets, the Knights scored the next six points before a Rohlfing steal and ensuing layup and an Emma Kortuem freebie pulled the Clippers within four, 9-5.
The Knights stole and plopped in another three to extend their lead, but the Clippers hung around. Gretchen Heldberg put in a couple of inside baskets, the second after a Kortuem handoff, and the Clippers only trailed by three, 12-9.
Later, Taylor Wolf scored back-to-back baskets, both on a steal and layup, but the Knights led 18-13 at the break.
Kenyon-Wanamingo extended its lead early in the second half. Kiya Sohn hit a bucket from outside, and Heldberg scored on an inbound pass, but the Clippers lagged 28-17.
In a couple of trips to the line, the Knights only added two more points the rest of the way. Meanwhile, Brooke Bosse scored twice, Heldberg added a free basket, and Ava Kluntz rebounded and scored, but time ran out on the comeback, and six points made the difference.
The Clippers did a good job getting the ball down court. With seven points Heldberg led the offensive effort. Rohlfing, Bosse and Wolf each contributed four points. Sohn and Kluntz had two points while Kortuem chipped in a free throw.
The Clippers made two of four free shots while the Knights were successful in eight of 21 foul shots and put in a pair of three-point baskets.
The Tuesday game at Granada was postponed. The B girls will be back in action tonight (Monday) when they host Martin County West.
Above: Ava Kluntz wrestles for a loose ball.
Valentina Rohlfing drives to the hoop. She scored the Clippers’ first four points.
Taylor Wolf breaks away after she picked off a Knight pass