Fast Tempo Leads Kingsland Past Spring Grove In Section 1A Tournament

The #6 seeded Kingsland Knights used a fast pace to defeat the #11 seeded Spring Grove Lions 65-53 in the Section 1A Girls Tournament.

The Kingsland Knights used their ability to rebound the ball to their advantage, taking rebounds coast-to-coast and getting quick buckets on the other end to help increase their lead in the second half.

Kingsland senior Lauren Buchholtz was a big reason for this, as she had 17 rebounds to go along with 15 points in the win. She was taking rebounds from one end of the floor to the other and the Lions were just not able to stop the transition offense of the Knights.

Kingsland jumped out to an 11-2 lead right out of the gate, but Spring Grove junior Amelia Solum hit three 3's in the first half to bring the Lions back in it. Before you knew it, the Lions took an 18-15 lead of their own. Kingsland was able to battle back to take a 30-27 lead at the half.

Kingsland used their quick tempo at the start of the second half as well, getting sophomore Ellie Buchholtz going offensively in the fast break to push their lead to 40-32 with 14 minutes to play. Spring Grove worked their way back into it with a solid second-half performance from senior Alyssa Johnson, but the Knights were able to grab clutch rebounds late and hit at the free-throw line to get the 65-53 win.

The Lions were led by Johnson's 17 points, while Solum added in 14 and Kailee Olerud added 12 and Mariah Edgington had 8. Kingsland was led by Ellie Buchholtz's 18 followed by Lauren Buchholtz 15. Shelby Beck had 9 and Nora Jahn added 8.

Kingsland will take on #3 Hayfield at the Mayo Civic Auditorium Monday night, tip-off will be immediately after #2 Goodhue vs. #7 Houston.

KFIL Subway Player of the Game (Spring Grove) - Alyssa Johnson

KFIL Subway Player of the Game (Kingsland) - Lauren Buchholtz

Kingsley Mercantile Game Ball (Kingsland) - Ellie Buchholtz