Out & About: Waconia/Orono

#3 posting 3.8.2006

5AAA Semis Game #1
Waconia 49, Orono 44

In a tight game throughout, Waconia led by Jenny Van Kirk pulled away in the second half to move on to the finals in a 49-44 win over Orono.

Both teams went back and forth early in the half. Orono had a 6/7 possessions string and 12-4 run in the middle of the half. Megan Milusenic, finishing up 8 straight points for Orono, started the run with four points. Four others help put points on the board. Orono was up at that point 18-13. Keli Leivermann dropped two 3s, one form the right side and one from the left corner to return the lead back to Winona 19-18. Orono had a 0/5 drought right at the end, but they snapped out of it long enough for Taylor Esau to score off a miss as the half ended. Orono led 22-21.

Again it was back and forth for both teams. Milusenic gave Orono a 27-25 lead with 14:33 to go. It was their last lead. Beginning at the 11:35 mark until the 8:14 mark Waconia put together a six possession string and 12-6 run to take a 37-33 lead. Van Kirk scored on the first three possessions on the run piling up 7 points. She added a free throw in the string for 8 total on the run. Orono would pull within one at 38-37 when Sladek scored of Milusenic's pass. After a Waconia turnover Orono also turned the opportunity over. Fischbach made one free throw. Orono's next possession again ended in a turnover. Fischbach sealed and scored inside and it was 41-37. Both teams then traded scoring. Waconia led 47-44 with nine seconds left. Caitlin McNamara attempted a three with less than nine seconds left, but it was off. Van Kirk was fouled on the rebound. She made both for the final score. In a odd coincidence Esau got the ball near the right midcourt line and banked in a 3 just as Breck scored after the buzzer against South. In this case it would not have made a difference even if there was time as Waconia led 49-44.

Player, points, points, pp100, floor %
Waconia Player Evaluations
starters
Jenny Van Kirk 21, 21, 100.0, .524 took over when it mattered and made the difference between turning in uniforms or playing again. likes the perimeter. allright on ball handling. RF: passes with feet in the air, passes without an idea at times.
Keli Leivermann 15, 12, 125.0, .583 much better performance than the first time I watched. Needs to be consistent on that performance.
Anna Philip 0, 4, 0.0, .000
Chelsea Honebrink 4, 4, 100.0, .500 big inside player. RF: not as visible today
Liz Fischbach 9, 9, 100.0, .556 strong inside, physical, RF: size post HS
Bench
Mackenzie Collins 0, 1, 0.0, .000

Orono Player Evaluations
Starters
Taylor Esau 6, 7, 85.7, .429 lefty. point guard.
Sally Sladek 4, 6, 66.7, .333
Brynn Erickson 5, 5, 100.0, .600
Megan Milusenic 17, 18, 94.4, .500 decent ball skills, RF: forced or pushed against the flow
Danielle Borg 8, 5, 160.0, .800 big kid that needs to get more physical. RF: not used nearly enough
Bench
Micki Benson 2, 2, 100.0, .500
Sarah Luse 0, 3, 0.0, .000
Caitlin McNamara 2, 5, 40.0, .200
Trench: Jenny Van Kirk

BY THE NUMBERS
Waconia 49, 51 96.1, .490
Orono 44, 51, 86.3, .451
Bench: Orono 4, Waconia 0
made free throws: Waconia 13, Orono 6

Next up: Benilde-St. Margaret's/Mpls North