Patriot saves it for home folks

Julie Redebaugh planned for the day but waited until she could play in front of hometown fans.

That's when the captain of the Pequot Lakes Patriots girls' basketball team scored her 1,000th career point in a 41-31 victory over Crosby-Ironton Feb. 4.

"She needed five points coming into the night," said Patriots coach Bill Larson. "She scored two quick jumpers close to the basket, but her 1,000th point came on a 3-pointer.

"I thought it was ironic that she made it on a three. Being away from her natural position that she played since elementary school, it was special that she hit it on a three."

For the first four years of her varsity career, Redebaugh had played the post position. That's where she helped Pequot to two state tournament appearances. This year she's playing guard and has proved she's lethal from anywhere on the court.

Redebaugh had 23 points in the C-I game and 25 in a 73-42 victory over Verndale Feb. 9.

"During the day it didn't really hit me," Redebaugh said of the milestone. "Once the game started, I couldn't sit still.

"Once I got 1,000, it was a relief that it was over. I could just take the game easy and not have to worry about it. It was nice to have just five points to go instead of 15."

The night was just as emotional for Larson.

"There was a fifth-grader that came across the floor and gave Julie flowers," said Larson. "(The Redebaugh name is) all over the gym and it deserves to be. Julie stood right below the banners she's helped to get. Her name belongs up there with all of them.

"I couldn't be prouder of a kid, a kid that has dedicated so much to this program. There's something extra special about someone you move into the job with. When she goes, it will be one of the tougher ones I've had over the years."

Redebaugh played in eight varsity games as an eighth-grader, Larson's first year at Pequot. Now, as a senior, she's attempting to lead a young squad back to the state tournament.

"My whole high school career has been based around basketball," said Redebaugh. "Everything I've done has been to be a better ballplayer. I spend more time in the gym than I do in the classroom.

"This year, I have a lot more patience. At first I didn't know how we were going to start."

Redebaugh is the only senior on the Patriots' 11-5 team. Larson believes she could have reached 1,000 points earlier, but she sacrificed her scoring to make teammates better.

"I believe this year she could have scored 100 to 150 more points than she has," said Larson. "Her numbers could have been higher, but she wanted to create a better low post. She wanted to help Flecia (Foster) gain more confidence.

"By holding off, she's been able to make this team what it is right now. She's been helping these younger girls grow. It's an awful lot to give up, especially when you're going after 1,000 points."

Larson believes that because of Redebaugh, his program is what it is.

"That's the biggest thing right there," said Larson. "She's taken on a role and she's the model of this program."

Other notable performances:

Basketball -- Crosby-Ironton's Jenna Kovatovich had 12 points and 10 rebounds against Staples-Motley and 11 points and five steals against Deer River.

Verndale's Raya Kern had 25 points and 21 rebounds against Hill City and 17 points and 12 rebounds against Nevis.

Verndale's Kayla White scored 25 points against Nevis.

Rachel Davich of Little Falls had 22 points, 11 rebounds and five assists against Sartell.

Pierz's Becky Korf had 18 points and 12 rebounds against Kimball.

Gymnastics -- Colleen Roach won the balance beam and floor exercise in a dual meet against Sauk Centre. She was second in all-around, third on uneven bars and third on vault.