First-half barrage powers Resorters to rout

KOHLER – The Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah Resorters exploded to a 40-12 halftime lead as they cruised to a 58-23 win over host Kohler Thursday night.

Elkhart, which bounced back well from a disappointing 58-46 loss to Reedsville three nights earlier, raised its Central Lakeshore Conference girls basketball record to 7-4 (9-5 overall).

The Resorters’ full-court press caused several steals which led to easy baskets and sparked the visitors to a 21-7 advantage after one quarter. Senior forward Kate Vollrath ignited Elkhart’s attack in the opening period with 10 points.

Junior guard Stephanie Knepfel popped in eight points in the second quarter, including two three-point goals, to spark the Resorters who outscored the Blue Bombers 19-5.

“We came out and were focused. We had a good first half. I was very proud of the girls,” said Resorter head coach Don Kulow.

“It was a great team effort. Everyone contributed. We moved the ball well.”

Junior forward Abbey Neils led the Resorters in scoring with a career-high 13 points. Neils also paced the team in rebounds with seven.

“Abbey really played well. She was real physical. It was one of her best games,” Kulow noted.

Anna Vollrath led Elkhart in assists with five and blocked shots, two. Knepfel contributed four assists. Rachel Knowles had a team-best and career-high five steals, followed by Maddie Landgraf’s four.

The coach said sophomore guard Morgan Voigtlander, who normally plays on the junior varsity, shot well – hitting 2 of 3 field-goal attempts – and defended well. Voigtlander was helping fill the void due to Becca Hembel’s absence (illness).

The Blue Bombers suffered 27 turnovers and shot only 16 percent (8 of 49) from the field.

Score by Quarters Elkhart Lake……………21 19 5 13 – 58 Kohler……………………….7 5 4 7 – 23

Elkhart Lake scoring: Stephanie Knepfel 12, Morgan Voigtlander 4, Rachel Knowles 6, Maddie Landgraf 2, Abbey Neils 13, Kate Vollrath 12, Chelsea Watry 1, Anna Vollrath 8.

Kohler scoring: Jenna Peters 2, Kara Saemann 2, Carissa Gartman 1, Anna Berlin 4, Christina Lindstrom 3, Natalie Van Dyke 7.

Three-point goals: Knepfel 2. Field goals: Elkhart Lake 21-52, 40%; Kohler 8-49, 16%. Free throws: Elkhart Lake 14-20, 70%; Kohler 7-11, 64%. Rebounds: Elkhart Lake 35, Kohler 34. Turnovers: Elkhart ___________________________ Lake 17, Kohler 27.