Brainerd girls chop down Lumberjacks in overtime

BEMIDJI -- Megan Arns scored the game-tying basket with 6.8 seconds left in regulation to force overtime and the Brainerd Warriors went on to edge Bemidji 53-49 in overtime in girls' basketball Saturday.

"Megan was pretty much the go-to girl toward the end," Warriors coach Carl Hendrickson said.

Arns finished with a double-double, scoring 11 points and snagging 13 rebounds.

"It was a very physical game," Hendrickson said. "Both teams were hitting the floor all the time.

"We got some great play from our bench. With two starters fouling out (Brooke Rollins, and Maria Swanson), Breanna Olson and Cara Wiltse really contributed."

The Warriors struck first in overtime and Julie Austin, who led Brainerd with 17 points, iced it with a clutch three-pointer. The Warriors never looked back as they implemented a zone defense and forced the Lumberjacks to shoot from the perimeter.

"Going into the zone really helped us rebound and keep the ball out of their hands," Hendrickson said.

Brainerd 14 13 9 9 8--53

Bemidji 8 9 21 7 4--49

BRAINERD (53)

Julie Austin 17, Bithiah McDermott 3, Breanna Olson 4, Brooke Rollins 8, Cara Wiltse 4, Maria Swanson 6, Megan Arns 11. Team totals: FG 21-46 (46 percent), FT 10-18 (56 percent). Overall -- 10-7 . Next game: at St. Cloud Apollo 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

BEMIDJI (49)

Folkert 2, Parker 17, Fairchild 13, Blumhagen 3, Wallner 5, Gregg 9. Team totals: FG 20-52 (38 percent), FT 7-12 (58 percent).

3-point baskets -- Brd 1 (Austin); Bem 2 (Blumhagen, Gregg). Fouled out -- Brd, Rollins, Swanson; Bem, Wallner.