Jaguars Girls Basketball Falls in Season Opener to sub-section rival Sauk Centre 70-49

The Jaguars fell behind by as many as 16 points before closing to within a 10-point deficit midway through the second half. Ballhandling became an issue as the second half played out, and the blowout was underway.

Sauk Centre is a new playoff opponent for the Jaguars, in the new Sub-Section 6AA-East. They were also rivals during numerous deep playoff runs our girls basketball program had in the early to mid-1990s. Almost as a rule back then, B-B-E won against Sauk Centre.

The Jaguars next play at Benson on Friday night in an invitational tournament, playing in the late game at about 8:00.

Area scores in girls basketball action:
New London-Spicer 44, Eden Valley-Watkins 37 (EV-W was ranked #4 in the pre-season Class 2A associated press poll)
Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted 95, St. Cloud Cathedral 31
Albany 77, Pierz 47
Melrose 39, Holdingford 32
Ortonville 45, Benson 42
Paynesville 42, Kimball 37

The River Lakes Stars boys hockey team, of which B-B-E is a co-op member, fell to Prairie Centre Area (Sauk Centre/Melrose) in their season opener by a 7-3 score. The game was held at Sauk Centre's civic arena. The Stars fell into a 3-1 hole after one period and never recovered.

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