Warriors End NLC Losing Streak
SYRACUSE — Something was going to have to give at the Hardwood Teepee Saturday afternoon.
Both Wawasee and Concord entered girls basketball play at 0-5 in the Northern Lakes Conference. The Lady Warriors, as it did last year, rode the hot hand of KiLee Knafel to a win to jump off the schnide in a 60-39 win over the Minutemen.
Knafel, who had been held under 30 points since December, erupted for 33 points to lead Wawasee back to .500 overall at 9-9 this season. Knafel started the game with just four points in the first quarter as Wawasee actually trailed 12-9 after one played. But the senior took over in the second quarter, scoring 13 points and followed that up with another 11 in the third quarter as Wawasee pulled away.
Kylee Rostochak added 13 points for Wawasee, which have claimed just two NLC wins in the past two seasons, both of which have come against Concord. Overall, Wawasee have won three of the past four games heading into the final week of the season.
The Minutemen (6-14, 0-6 NLC) had Jade Iavagnilio hit three three-pointers in the first quarter, but Iavagnilio would not score another point in the game. MacKenzie Rutter led Concord with 13 points. Concord, which started the season 5-3, have now lost 11 of its past 12 games and have not won an NLC game since it beat Goshen in the 2010-11 season.
The Concord JV opened the matinee with a 26-15 win over Wawasee.
Concord will host South Bend Adams on Tuesday while Wawasee will travel to Bremen, also Tuesday night.