Lakers win battle of the fives

Prior Lake, the No. 5-ranked team in Class AAAA, defeated New Prague, the No. 5-ranked team in Class AAA, by a 76-64 score Friday, Feb. 12, in New Prague.

The Lakers pounded the ball inside all night and the Trojans had trouble stopping the bigger and more physical team. Five different Prior Lake players were in double figures.

Prior Lake opened up a 10-point lead midway through the first half and held off several Trojan surges. New Prague cut the lead to three points several times, but each time they looked poised to take the lead, Prior Lake would sink a couple baskets to hold the Trojans at bay.

New Prague's Taylor Rookaird had a strong effort, scoring 11 first-half points. She and Anna Rynda both scored on several baseline drives to keep the Trojans in the game.

New Prague had four players in double figures, with Rookaird leading the way with 17 points. She also had six offensive rebounds, giving the Trojans several second chances. Rynda had 15 points, Maggie Seter had 13 and Maggie Weiers 12. Also scoring for the Trojans were Hannah Strop with 6 and Sara Rookaird with 1.

The Trojans' February 9 home game with Shakopee was postponed and will be made up on Thursday, Feb. 25. New Prague (13-8, 5-4 Missota) was scheduled to host Northfield Tuesday, Feb. 16. They play at Hutchinson Friday, Feb. 19, and host Red Wing, ranked No. 7 in Class AAA, on Tuesday, Feb. 23 in a key game for seeding in Section 1AAA.

Missota Conference

As of Feb. 16 conf. overall

Prior Lake 11-0 18-5

Shakopee 7-3 13-9

Red Wing 7-4 17-5

New Prague 6-4 14-8

Northfield 6-5 14-8

Farmington 3-8 10-11

Hutchinson 3-8 10-11

Holy Angels 0-11 2-21