Owatonna Makes Mayo Sweat

Rochester Mayo completed the regular season sweep of Owatonna in girls and boys basketball Friday night, but the Huskies made it a closer finish in each game compared to the first meeting of the season. Section standings are shaping up that the girls could get another match up at playoff time.

In Friday's home game for the Owatonna girls, Mayo prevailed 67-48 but the Huskies drew within nine points with a few minutes to go in the second half. OHS coach Lindsey Hugstad-Vaa said after the game, "It was good to see us talking on defense, and getting some stops inside, and closer out on shooters hard. We'vs got to hit some free throws. We've got to hit some layups we had early on. But I was proud of the girls effort."

Lexi Mendenhall led Owatonna with 16 points, coming off the bench. Sarah Kingland scored 15 and Holly Buytaert added eight. Owatonna hosts No. 7AAA Austin Tuesday, Febuary 11 at 7:30 pm.

Friday was also fundraising night for Rachel's Light home for women and children. A check presentation for $1,675 was made during the game.

The OHS boys dropped a 75-73 decision at Mayo Friday. Huskies coach Josh Williams said on Saturday's Coaches Show, "We've had two really good games with them this year. The first game at our place was very high scoring (Mayo won 100-86). This one was too. We had a shot at the end to win it. Didn't quite get it off when time expired. Really proud. I told the guys after the game, a lot of things about the game we did well."

Mayo moved ahead of Century for third place in the Big Nine with the win.

The Huskies went to Mankato West Saturday for a makeup game at West. OHS recovered from a ten-point deficit in the first half with a 13-0 run early in the second half. Owatonna connected on 16-of-21 free throws after halftime. Payton Beyer led the team with 17 points. Evan Dushek had 14 points and at least 12 rebounds. Nolan Burmeister also scored 14.

Owatonna goes to No. 8AAA Austin Tuesday, February 11.