COON RAPIDS — The Woodward-Granger basketball teams each claimed a non-conference win Thursday, but the hosts certainly made the Hawks sweat for the victories.
The winless Crusaders stunned the Hawk girls by grabbing an 11-point halftime lead, but W-G managed to rally for a 40-36 overtime victory. CR-B fell to 0-14 with the loss while W-G improved to 7-9.
CR-B (6-8) rushed to a 15-12 lead after one quarter in the boys game, and managed to hold the high-scoring W-G (11-3) attack to under 50 points, but the Hawk defense clamped down to stifle the Crusaders and help enable a 49-35 victory.
The girls game nearly became a disaster for W-G, with much of the damage self-inflicted, as numerous turnovers and poor shooting — combined in no small part to an energetic effort from the hosts — put CR-B in front, 10-8, after one quarter and by a 21-10 margin after two.
W-G closed to within 27-21 after the third frame and then held CR-B to only four free throws in the fourth stanza to tie the game at 31-all at the end of regulation. A 9-5 edge in the extra four minutes allowed the Hawks to escape with the win despite connecting on just 9-of-21 free throws while the hosts were 7-of-8 at the stripe.
Emma Anderson had 14 points and Kayley Dresback nine for W-G, with Katelyn Scharlau scoring eight points. Natalie Helbling provided four points and Ava Petersen and Lisa Pitman two apiece while Mae Anderson added a free throw.
Katelyn Winnett had 12 points and Brynn Bass 11 to pace CR-B. Kristin Mahlberg, Alex Culbertson and Cora McAlister had three points apiece and Alaya Betts and Mia Leighty two each for the hosts.
W-G found themselves in a three-point hole after one period in the nightcap, but allowed just two second-quarter points in sprinting to a 26-17 lead at the break. The score stood at 37-29 after three frames, with a 12-6 edge over the final eight minutes delivering the 11th win of the season for the guests.
Noah Hoyt had 14 points and Kaya Bowlsby 11 for the victors, with Reese Jamison and Keith Braunschweig scoring eight each. Bryce Achenbach contributed six points and Nick Buch two to aid the winning cause.
Ben Obert had 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists to pace the Crusaders. Trenton Golay tallied six points, Jalen Rosenbeck four, Kade Schepp and Gabe Obert three apiece and Cain Anderson two points.
W-G’s games with visiting Ogden tonight have been moved up one hour because of weather concerns, with the girls to begin at 5 p.m.
