Kontny's strong finish gives Spartans 2-point win over Cardinals

The Superior High School girls basketball team did something Friday night it hasn’t done in quite a while, defeat Chippewa Falls.

Hailey Kontny scored the final five points for the Spartans, including the game-winner with three seconds remaining, to help the Spartans defeat the Cardinals 61-59 to improve to 6-0. The loss dropped Chippewa Falls to 5-1.

“I’m extremely proud of this group of young women,” SHS coach Phil Roe said. “They are not only role models on and off the court but, tonight they made school history by defeating Chippewa Falls and every team member contributed in their own way for the betterment of the team.

“ I saw girls hustling, taking charges and scrapping all night. To defeat one the best Division 1 programs in the state, in their house, and in that type of environment was huge for us and will be for the rest of the season.”

The game was back-and-forth all four quarters and went right down to the wire.

With Superior trailing 59-56 with about 25 seconds remaining, Hailey Kontny tied the game up with one of her three 3-pointers.

A Chippewa Falls player attempted to drive the lane and had her shot blocked by Jessica Lindstrom, who as called for a foul with nine seconds remaining. The Cardinals, who were 17-of-18 from the free-throw line up to that point, missed both shots to keep the game tied, 59-59.

Superior got the rebound and called time out with 8.4 seconds left.

On the inbounds play, the Spartans got the ball to Alyssa Correll, who then found Kontny on the wing near half court. Running full speed, Kontny dribbled down the sideline and scored the game-winning shot form the block with 1.2 seconds remaining.

After three seconds were put on the clock, Natalie kintop’s defensive pressure didn’t allow Chippewa Falls to get a final shot off.

“Hailey played amazing,” Roe said. “Not only did she manage the game well and shine in the final 25 seconds with our final five points, but she held Kayla Hanley, Chippewa Falls’ star player to four points and sliced through the Cardinals’ man-to-man press all game.”

The Spartans led 19-10 after the first quarter, but trailed 30-29 at the half. Superior outscored the Cardinals 19-12 in the third quarter, but then was outscored 17-13 over the final eight minutes.

“One of the biggest keys to the game was getting off to a good start and forcing Chippewa to play our style of up tempo basketball,” Roe said.” I was very impressed with Abby Clemons. She was all over the court defensively and she hit some huge free throws in bonus situations in the fourth quarter. She has become a leader of our team.

“Jessica also dominated in the rebounding department and Chippewa didn't have an answer for her down low. Alyssa Correll played fearless, hit, some huge outside shots and played scrappy defense.

Rachel had four big points and played really physical defense, she really helped us.”

Roe also noted the play of Kintop, Ali Wainianpaa and Shannon Johnstad,.

“They really stepped up their games defensively and made some crucial passes which helped us win the game,” Roe said.

Lindstrom, who scored her 1,000th point in Tuesday’s win at Duluth Denfeld, led the Spartans with 26 points. Kontny was next with 29 points, Correll added 10, Rachel Fregin had four and Abby Clemons had two.

The Spartans were 18-of-25 from the free throw and made seven 3-pointers, three by Kontny, two by Correll and one each by Fregin and Lindstrom.

“After the game the girls stormed the court and hugged Hailey,” Roe said. “It was a special moment for the entire team. ‘m very proud of where we are at and what this team can accomplish this season.”

Superior will next compete in the Rice Lake Tournament. The Spartans play Wausau West at 5 p.m. Thursday and D.C. Everest at 5 p.m. Friday.

Superior 61, Chippewa Falls 59

Superior — Abby Clemons 2, Rachel Fregin 4, Jessica Lindstrom 26, Alyssa Correll 10, Hailey Kontny 19. Totals (FGM FT-FTA TP): 18 18-25 61.

Chippewa Falls — Tyanna Loiselle 2, Courtney Passint 6, Janna Fjelstad 18, Kaitlin Rubenzer 11, Sara Bedford 11, Alissa Adams 5, Kayla Hanley 4, Brenna Roshell 2. Totals: 20 17-20 59.

Superior 19 10 19 13 — 61

Chippewa Falls 10 20 12 17 — 59

3-point goals: Superior 7 (Fregin, Lindstrom, Correll 2, Kontny 3), Chippewa Falls 2 (Rubenzer, Bedford). Total fouls: Superior 17, Chippewa Falls 17. Fouled out: Clemons (S). Records: Chippewa Falls 6-1.

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