The Breckenridge Cowgirls kept it close Friday against the No. 2-ranked team in Minnesota Class 2A girls basketball. The Cowgirls took a 48-46 lead in the second half, but Minnehaha Academy showed its pedigree down the stretch in a 73-60 home win.
The Redhawks opened the game on a 10-2 run. Strong inside play from senior Parker Yaggie and a feisty stretch by freshman Ava Jaehning cut the halftime deficit to 28-25.
Yaggie led all scorers with 22 points while pulling down eight rebounds and swiping three steals. Jaehning added 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and a game-high five steals. The fearsome freshman applied constant pressure in the full-court press.
The Redhawks’ balance was key, with four double-digit scorers and two double-doubles. Minnehaha outrebounded Breckenridge, 47-28.
Breckenridge junior Piper Jaehning had her best game of the season with 12 points, two steals and two blocks. She opened the second half with a three and gave Breckenridge its only lead of the game midway through the period with a tough and-one at the block.
Johnica Bernotas played with poise, steadying the Cowgirls with seven points, six rebounds and three assists. Defensively, the senior added three deflections and a pair of steals to her ledger.
Breckenridge (1-3) is back in action Tuesday with a Section 6A road game against the Border West Buccaneers (1-2).
