Korf shows Pierz coach

Becky Korf is proof that nice people don't always finish last.

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The senior for the Pierz Pioneers girls' basketball team tied the school record for career rebounds in a 58-46 victory over Foley Feb. 16.

Korf finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and two assists. Her 10 rebounds tied Cindi Kimman's school-record mark of 802.

"It was really important to me," said Korf. "It was my biggest individual goal. I had talked to (Pierz coach Rick Sczublewski) about it and he said he didn't think I was going to make it. I said, 'Whatever.'"

The three-year starter and four-year letterwinner is averaging 10.6 rebounds.

"She's averaging more than 250 rebounds a year," said Sczublewski. "That was her goal, to be the school record holder for rebounds. That was her main thing. She focused on that a lot. When the ball is off the rim she usually gets it. She has great hands. She's a kid I'm very proud to have on this team."

Korf isn't a typical post player. The 6-foot forward leads the team in 3-pointers made (21) and blocked shots (37). She's averaging 12.6 points with 39 steals and 39 assists. She's shooting 52 percent from 2-point range and 60 percent from the line.

"This season has been very good," said Korf. "In the beginning we were a little shaky because we haven't played together that much. Everyone was coming in new and we had to make it work. It was tough in the beginning, but we're finally playing as a team."

Along with tying the school record for rebounds, Korf added a career-high 27 points against Maple Lake Feb. 10. She also had 13 rebounds and three assists. Korf had nine points and eight rebounds against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Feb. 13

"She's tough to guard because if a team goes man-to-man against us, she can step out and shoot the 3-pointer," Sczublewski said. "She's very versatile. We call on her to do a lot of things."

Korf can dribble the ball through presses. She's a quality passer, scorer and rebounder. Plus, she's a good leader.

"There was an official who came up to me during a game against Foley," said Sczublewski. "He said he wanted to talk about one of my players and I just thought, 'Oh God, what now.'

"He said, 'That No. 35 (Korf) is the nicest girl I have ever officiated.' That's a big compliment from a veteran official. She's a great kid, always got a smile on her face and she gives you everything she's got."

Korf has earned the respect of teammates, opposing players, coaches and officials. Sczublewski said he has total confidence in her decision making.

"She's a smart player," he said. "She's gotten used to being a type of player that does everything for us. Versatile, again, is the best way to describe her."

And, don't forget nice.

"I think it's a family thing," said Korf about her pleasant nature. "My sister, Julie, was nice and she rubs off on me. I'm not going to yell at the refs. It's not going to do me any good. You just need to suck it up and keep playing."

Other notable performances:

Basketball -- Lindsey Green, Lake Region, scored 19 points against Nevis.

Flecia Foster, Pequot Lakes, had 22 points and five assists against Park Rapids.

Teresa Parker, Pequot Lakes had 15 points and 17 rebounds against Park Rapids.

Michelle Honek, Staples-Motley, scored 23 points against Crosby-Ironton and 18 against Park Rapids.

Kim Rosecrans, C-I, reached 1,000 career points with 27 against Deer River and 15 against S-M.

Kristin Kapsner, Pierz, scored 16 points against Foley.

Laura Harms, Little Falls, collected 14 points and 10 rebounds against St. Cloud Tech and had 10 points against Grand Rapids.