Lady Jays move to 3-0, win NLC opener

The Three Lakes-Phelps girls basketball team opened Northern Lakes Conference play on its home floor Monday evening, where the Lady Jays posted a 71-21 win over Elcho. It was the team’s third consecutive win to open the season under Head Coach Michele Brown. 

“It feels great to start with three wins in a row. The schedule and competition only get tougher as we move to December,” stated Head Coach Michele Brown. “Good things happen when we play unselfishly and together. We hit every one of the team goals we had set in last night's game, which is great to see.” 

The Bluejays got ahead and cruised to a commanding 40-7 halftime lead on their home floor behind the offense of sophomore Malia Szews and seniors Kailyn Fogerty and Haylee Barnekow. 

Szews finished the evening with a season-high 21 points, with two 3-pointers made. The sophomore also shot 7-8 from the free-throw line in the win. 

“Malia had a breakout game, and I sure hope this is just the start for her,” stated Brown. “We need her contributions on the offensive end with her outside shot and being a threat.” Fogerty posted 11 points as the team’s second-highest scorer. The senior captain made four field goals, including one three-pointer, and 2-2 from the charity stripe. Seniors Haylee Barnekow and Kylee Wilson each had seven points, while the rest of the roster scored at least three points in the game. 

Brown was excited about getting everyone playing time and the improvement from behind the 3-point line in the win. 

“After going 2 for 27 from behind the 3-point line in the first two games, we hit 5 of 12

shots last night, including 2 from Malia, 2 from Kylee Wilson, and one from Kailyn Fogerty,” explained Brown. “I told the girls to be much more aware of a good shot from there, versus just putting up a shot.” 

Three Lakes-Phelps scored another 31 points in the second half and held Elcho to 14 in the final 18 minutes. 

The team improved at the free-throw line from the Northland Pines game last week, shooting 66% (12-18) from the line. 

Three Lakes-Phelps will now turn its focus to a road NLC matchup with Laona-Wabeno this coming Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7:15 p.m.