The Brainerd Warriors utilized balanced scoring, led by Olivia Tautges' 12 points, to upset Class 1A's top-ranked Alexandria Cardinals 54-47 in a Central Lakes Conference game Thursday, Jan. 17 at Brainerd High School.
The Cardinals came into the contest 12-1 following their only loss of the season, a 45-44 loss Tuesday, Jan. 15 to Willmar, which defeated Brainerd 62-29 Saturday, Jan. 12.
Brainerd and Alex opened their seasons against each other. Alex won that game 54-38 Nov. 27.
Lilly Horn added 11 points for the Warriors followed by Courtney Russell with 10. Myah Nelson and Ally Brezinski each finished with nine.
"What a great win for our girls," said Brainerd head coach Troy Nelson. "They played their hearts out tonight. I am so proud of them."
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Brainerd was outrebounded 40-22, but shot 45.9 percent from the field, while holding Alex to just 32 percent shooting, including 1-of-16 from 3-point.
Alexandria 17 30-47
Brainerd 27 27-54
ALEXANDRIA
Kaye Paschka 14, Mia McGrane 8, Ella Grove 6, Cate Bloom 2, Emily Jones 12, McKenzie Duwenhoegger 5. FG 18-56 (32 percent), FT 10-14 (71 percent). 3-point 1-16 (6 percent).
BRAINERD
Courtney Russell 10, Lilly Horn 11, Myah Nelson 9, Ally Brezinski 9, Olivia Tautges 12, Grace Zimmerman 3. FG 17-37 (46 percent), FT 13-20 (65 percent). 3-point 7-12 (58 percent). Conference: 3-5. Overall: 7-9. Next: hosts St. Cloud Apollo 7:15 p.m. Tuesday.
