A hard-fought battle ended with the FHC girls JV basketball team pulling out a 31-25 win over the Northview Wildcats. The Rangers used a full court press to disrupt Northview early and often. Coach Kevin Brechting was happy seeing his defense finally come together.

“I think it just clicked finally,” Brechting said. “Yesterday we practiced it really hard, and they finally started understanding their rotations. We’ve been working on it all year, and I just think that part clicked.”

The Rangers turned defense into offense, going on fastbreak after fastbreak to take a 15 to 10 lead going into halftime. FHC was also helped by the big play of sophomore Alexa Lauer.

Brechting thought Alexa’s play was a big key to the victory.

“She was solid not only just around the basket but taking the ball out,” he said. “You could tell when she was sitting our decision-making was not as strong. She was both physically and mentally strong for us.”

According to Alexa, practice does make perfect when it comes to finding her teammates down court.

“We practice that a lot,” Alexa said. “That’s what we are supposed to do as soon as we get the ball. We’re trained to do that.”

The third quarter was a tale of two runs. Northview started off on the right foot, only to see FHC take complete control going into the fourth. At the end of the third, FHC led 27-16. From there, Northview made it interesting. Fortunately for the Rangers, the hole was dug too deep as FHC was able to hold on and secure a win in a game they led throughout.

Sophomore Chloe Grooters was able to carry the scoring load for the Rangers, who credited the defense for the team’s success.

“I think that our fastbreak and our fullcourt press was really good tonight,” she said. “It really helped that everybody knew what they were doing and they were on top of the full court press.”

Chloe and Alexa teamed up for numerous baskets with Alexa rebounding and sending it downcourt to Chloe for the open layup.

“I was the one mostly giving her the long ball,” Alexa said. “I thought she was doing really well getting down the court.”

The team will now look ahead to their next game hoping to accomplish more of the same.

“The last two games we got off to really slow starts,” Brechting said. “This one was the opposite. Getting out to that fast start again will be a key as the season continues.”