The defending Class A State Champion Cass Lake-Bena Panthers overcame a 44-33 halftime deficit on Saturday afternoon in Barrett and pulled out a thrilling one point victory over the West Central Area lady Knights, 70-69. Senior Taryn Frazer became the all-time leading scorer in Cass Lake-Bena girls’ basketball history when she made a free throw in the first half, eclipsing the previous record of 2,198 points which was held by Amanda Gehrke.
With the game tied at 31-31 the Knights went on a 10 point run and closed out the first half on a 13-2 run to build their 11 point halftime advantage. The Panthers were able to take the lead back in the last minute of the game as they made 12-of-17 second half free throws. WCA struggled at the line, making only 6-of-17 for the game and 2-of-7 in the second half.
Lexi Bright led West Central Area with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks. Claire Stark had 14 points and 6 rebounds. Macy Grosz and Kaitlyn Hansen contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively. Mya Foslien chipped in with 5 points and 4 assists, while Jayden Styba added 2 points, 3 steals and 5 rebounds.
"As a team we had our chances to win the game and in the end we just didn't make enough plays to pull it out," said WCA Head Coach Eric Schoenbauer. "Going 7-17 from the charity stripe in the end does not help out either. "
West Central Area (8-3) will play at Hancock on Tuesday, host Ashby on Thursday and travel to Wheaton on Friday to face Wheaton/Herman-Norcross.
The Panthers improved to 10-1 with the win.