Tiger girls return to RPAC final

Junior Adelene Krutsinger and the Dundy County-Stratton girls stayed a step or two ahead of Maywood-Hayes Center through Thursday’s RPAC tournament semifinal at Wallace High School.

Diane Stamm/Wauneta Breeze

WALLACE, Neb. — Dynamite defense forced 37 turnovers and sparked Dundy County-Stratton to a 51-31 RPAC semifinal win over Maywood-Hayes Center Thursday night.

Junior Adalene Krutsinger’s 13 points led the 15-2 Tigers offense, while classmate Grace Frederick helped cool those 15-3 Wolves.

“That was Grace Frederick’s job,” coach Nathan Behlke said about containing MH-C inside force Rebel Sjeklocha.

Freshman McKinzie Baney swiped at least one memorable steal and added 11 points.

Frederick netted eight points. Guards Sable Lambley (six) and Allie Behlke (five) scored another 11.

The Wolves awoke for nine unanswered points to pull within 25-21, but Krutsinger’s capped a 9-0 Tiger answer.

Jaycee Lapp’s seven points topped MH-C.

“It might sound arrogant, but that’s what we expect. We expect nothing less than to be RPAC champs,” coach Behlke concluded.