Barnum Girls Headed Back To State

Wes Vork-NSO

For Additional Photos Click Here To View Our Complete Photo Gallery

Mar 12

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

CROSBY – The Barnum Bombers left no doubt in anyone’s mind Friday night that they were the team to beat in the girls state basketball tournament. The Bombers avenged a four point loss earlier this season to Sebeka, by downing the Trojans 82-37. The only other Barnum blemish this season was a loss to New Prague. a class AAA power.

The dominating win by the Bombers secured a their third straight Sstate basketball tournament appearance and the fourth in the last five years. The Bombers are seeking their first state championship this year after recording two third place finishes and a second place finish in 2008.

The Bombers exploded to an early first half lead Friday night. Using great ball movement and shooting, the Bombers blew the game open by taking a huge 43-20 lead at halftime. Head coach Randy Myhre told Northland Sports Online, “It was a complete team effort on offense and on defense. I have not seen a better team effort in all my years at Barnum.”

The second half was much like the first with great outside shooting from Katie Myhre and a strong inside game from Katrina Newman and Sarah Myhre. Jessica Newman had another solid night, reaching the 1000-point plateau with a soft jumper off the right elbow.

“Leah Nordvall led our defense at the top,” Myhre stated. “She shut down Martini who is a solid ball player. The whole team played stifling pressure defense and it was a bitter sweet win to beat one of the two teams that got us this year…It takes hard work and commitment not only from the players but their parents as well, it’s tough to have a successful program without parent support.”

The Bombers were lead in scoring by Katrina Newman, who finished with 30 points on the night. Jess Newman chipped in with 16 and Katie Myhre finished with 15, coming on five for five three-point shooting. Sarah Myhre and Leah Nordvall each added 9 points. Claire Rodgers ended with 2 points and Karianna Duesler finished with 1 point in the Barnum win.

The Trojans Betsy Olson was the only Sebeka player in double digits with 10 points on the night. Sebeka finishes the season with an overall 23-6 record. The Bombers improve to 28-2 on the season as they capture their third straight Section 5A championship. The Bombers will face Nashwauk-Keewatin in the opening round of the state basketball tournament on Thursday afternoon at 3 pm at Williams Arena.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com