Markus Spiske via Unsplash
(KWMN)- The #1 seeded Cotter Girls basketball team met with the #8 seeded Triton Cobras last night in the section 1AA quarterfinals, and quickly found out it wasn’t going to a breeze; enter Madison Hazelton.
The senior forward caught fire early, and with the Ramblers struggling in the middle of half number one, Hazelton was the one that managed to keep their heads above water. Hazelton scored 15 first half points, and 23 total in what was a career high game for her. Not only that, but without her, this story could’ve gone differently,
“That was the best game of her career. She’s really coming on…She really saved us in many respects,” head coach for the Ramblers, Pat Bowlin said after the game.
Cotter was able to mount as much as a 17-point lead early in the second half, but Triton never went quietly. The Ramblers had to battle, and although a cold stretch late, their defense and rebounding never allowed them to give up the lead. They won 68-53.
“In the playoffs you’re not as worried about artistry, you’re worried about winning and advancing,” Bowlin said, “I got to give Triton a lot of credit, they did not roll over…they were quicker than I thought they’d be…They showed a lot of fight in the second half–we had a hard time shaking them quite honestly.”
Junior forward Clarissa Sauer joined Hazelton with the Lion’s share of production, as they combined for 49 of the Ramblers 68 points. Sauer finished with 26, although having an uncharacteristic inefficient night. She’s just that good. It wasn’t something Cotter is used to, as Bowlin admitted as such afterwards, saying normally they have a balanced effort night in and night out. A win is a win, regardless, and Cotter did their job to punch their ticket to the section semifinals.
In the section 1AA semifinal they’ll meet Dover-Eyota, the #4 seed in the section. The Ramblers lost to Dover-Eyota way back on Dec. 21st to the tune of 60-58. A close game that fell the wrong way, they’ll not only be looking for revenge, but a trip to the section championship game as well. Dover-Eyota runs a zone defense, and it gave the Ramblers trouble the first time around. An ability to make their open shots will be imperative to success come Saturday. Don’t be fooled by the number by the school’s name either, this Dover-Eyota team, and really all top four seeds in the section (Rochester Lourdes #2, Caledonia #3) are all very capable of reaching the state tournament. Bowlin says that all year long it’s been the top four, and then everyone else, even saying, “Truthfully, we’re all about even.”
The Ramblers will be without guard Abby Williams, who they missed in game with Triton. Bowlin says they’re still trying to figure out how to replace her minutes, but the positive–they’ll have the practice time to do so,
“We have a unique opportunity. During the season you’re playing a lot of three games a week. Not a lot of practice time. We suddenly now have a lot of practice time, and truthfully that’s helped Clarissa [with her shot, and with moving to point guard in the absence of Williams] …I’m really excited about what she [Sauer] can do moving forward and really the whole team, I think we can continue to get better,” Bowlin said.
The Ramblers will tip off from the Mayo Civic Center for the section 1AA semifinal on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
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