TCU Girls win three of four games

A busy week for the Tri City United (TCU) girls basketball team ended with the Titans winning three of four games.

The Titans defeated Medford, 68-19 Saturday, Jan. 13. They defeated Norwood Young America (NYA), 53-51, Tuesday, Jan. 16. They edged St. James Area 73-70, Thursday, Jan. 18. Mayer Lutheran ended TCU’s winning streak with a 73-66 win Friday, Jan. 19.

In the win over Medford, the Titans led 51-10 at halftime and were never threatened.

Ella Skluzacek scored 21 points in only 15 minutes of action and Ava Flintrop added 14 points and four rebounds.

In the win over NYA, head coach Don Marcussen said it has been quite a while since his team has defeated the Raiders. “A few weeks ago we were not winning these tight games but now we are finding ways to keep our composure and get the victory,” he said.

Lexi Marcussen led the team with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and eight steals. Skluzacek added 13 points and seven rebounds. Audrey Vosejpka scored nine points and Gaby Dahlke added eight points.

Once again the Titans did a nice job of playing with composure down the stretch and picked up a win in this nonconference battle against St. James.

"The Titans ran into a very hot shooting St. James team on Thursday.  We were lucky to only be down by 5 points the way they were lighting things up in our gym,” Marcussen said. “They hit over 57% of their shots inside the 3 pt. line and 53% outside the 3 pt. line for the night.  The only thing that really stuck out as being the difference maker was we clamped down on them with our defense in the final 1:30 of the game, got a few steals, and then made the layups or free throws to go with them.  Once we got the lead, we just had to make sure we didn't turn it over and make our free throws (we made five of our last 6).”

Ella Schmiesing scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Marcussen scored 17 points, Skluzacek 13 points, and Grace Hennen nine points.

Mayer Lutheran shot 57 percent from the field in this Minnesota River Conference contest. TCU trailed by 16 at one point, made a great run to get back to within five, but were not about to over take the Crusaders.

"Ending this week of three tough games, I think we ran out of gas mid-way through the second half,” Marcussen said. “I was really proud of the girls on how hard they battled this week with three tough games and having to end the week with #10 ranked Mayer Lutheran. I know they were exhausted but still made a great effort to finish the game."

Vosejpka and Dahlke each scored 15 points. Marcussen added 14 points and Skluzacek added 10 points and 10 rebounds.

TCU, 2-4 in the conference and 9-7 overall, will play at Lester Prairiie Tuesday, Jan. 30.

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