Green helps put Hornets on the map

The Lake Region Christian School Hornets aren't the most recognizable team in the area and center Lindsey Green isn't the biggest name in the area either.

But the sophomore for the Baxter school has done her part to get her team recognized.

In a 62-37 triumph over Lakeview Feb. 7, the 5-foot-10 center scored a season-high 22 points. She followed with 15 points in a loss to Hill City Feb. 10.

"Lakeview played a man defense against us the whole time, which really opens things up for her," Hornets head coach Steve Ogren said. "Sometimes when teams play a 2-3 zone against us, Lindsey struggles for points, but they stayed in a man so we just kept going down to her."

Green is accustomed to seeing zone defenses. Against Lakeview, she said her scoring was a combination of the man defense and her shots falling.

"Just recently she's been able to create her own shots," Ogren said. "She'll make a head fake and drive to the basket. That's something she was lacking but she's come around and worked on that part of her game."

Despite her recent scoring splurge, Green said her favorite thing is blocking an opponent's shot.

"Sometimes I miss a block and my teammates are there to back me up, but that's my favorite thing to do," said Green.

Along with averaging close to 14 points, Ogren said his starting center is also averaging five blocked shots.

"She's a great shot blocker," said the coach. "She's a real force on defense, plus she's a good rebounder.

"Our success as a team rides on her shoulders. When she's successful, we're successful."

Last year, Green, a three-year varsity player, helped the Hornets win the Minnesota Association of Christian Schools state title. Despite the Hill City loss, the Hornets are 10-9 and ranked No. 1 in the MACS poll. Lake Region will go for another championship Feb. 28-March 1.

The sophomore likes her team finally getting recognized in the state.

"It's really nice," she said. "We've been underdogs for so long. We haven't had the best record the past couple of years, but to be winning and getting some recognition is nice."

Green said one reason for the success is the team's familiarity with each other. The Hornets start four sophomores and a junior. The sophomores have played together since fifth grade. Green said they've adjusted to each other's talents and know each other so well that it has translated into wins.

Other notable performances:

Basketball -- Raya Kern, Verndale, had 23 points and 18 rebounds vs. Lake Region Christian.

Whitney Hoheisel, Pillager, had 19 points and 12 rebounds vs. Upsala.

Flecia Foster, Pequot Lakes, scored 29 points vs. Park Rapids.

Teresa Parker, Pequot Lakes, had a triple-double with 10 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocked shots vs. Park Rapids.

Kim Rosecrans, Crosby-Ironton, scored 18 points vs. Deer River.

Becky Korf, Pierz, had 17 points and 12 rebounds vs. Kimball.

Emily Stumpf, Pierz, scored 18 points vs. Kimball.

Gymnastics -- Shae Tabbatt, Little Falls, won the uneven bars, floor and all-around vs. Sauk Centre.