By Chad Koenen

Publisher

The New York Mills Eagles picked up a pair of important Section 6A wins prior to the Christmas break. The two wins improved the Eagles to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the section as they prepared for the final two games of the 2024 portion of their schedule at the Pelican Rapids tournament from Dec. 27-28.

The Eagles, who are also 1-1 in the Park Region Conference, will return to action on Friday, Jan. 3 when they host Pillager in conference action.

December 16

NY Mills picked up a commanding 70-38 win over Norman County East/Ulen-Hitterdal on Monday, Dec. 16. The Eagles dominated the Titans in the paint as NY Mills had a decisive 52-15 advantage in rebounding, while also forcing 22 NCE/UH turnovers. 

As a team the Eagles shot 51.1 percent from the floor, despite going just 3-18 from behind the 3-point line.

A pair of Eagles recorded double-doubles in the win as Annika Dunrud finished with 18 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Ayla Olson also recorded a double-double as she finished with 17 points to go along with 15 rebounds, six of which came on the offensive end of the court. 

The NY Mills duo was joined in double figures by Alayna Baune who scored 14 points to go along with six rebounds, while Gabi Vaden scored eight points, Chloe Costin scored six points, Dixie Dykhoff scored five points and Alise Schornack rounded out the scoring with two points. 

POINTS: Gabi Vaden 8, Annika Dunrud 18, Alise Schornack 2, Chloe Costin 6, Dixie Dykhoff 5, Alayna Baune 14, Ayla Olson 17

ASSISTS: Gabi Vaden 1, Rosemary Laudenbach 2, Annika Dunrud 1, Alise Schornack 1, Dixie Dykhoff 1, Alayna Baune 2, Ayla Olson 4

REBOUNDS: Gabi Vaden 3, Rosemary Laudenbach 3, Annika Dunrud 11, Kylee Lehmann 1, Alise Schornack 2, Chloe Costin 6, Dixie Dykhoff 3, Alayna Baune 6, Violet Radniecki 2, Ayla Olson 15

STEALS: Gabi Vaden 2, Rosemary Laudenbach 3, Annika Dunrud 2, Kylee Lehmann 1, Dixie Dykhoff 1, Alayna Baune 1

BLOCKS: Annika Dunrud 3, Chloe Costin 2, Alayna Baune 2, Ayla Olson 1

December 20

The Eagles once again used a strong inside presence to secured their second straight non-conference win of the week with a 56-40 victory over Parkers Prairie. Despite turning the ball over 25 times in the game, NY Mills was able to share the ball well on the offensive end of the court as they had 17 assists on 19 made shots from the field.

Senior Ayla Olson had a big game for the Eagles as she finished with a double-double with 12 points, 15 rebounds and registered a team-high five assists. She was one of four Eagles to reach double figures as NY Mills posted a balanced scoring attack.

Annika Dunrud posted a team-high 16 points to go along with nine rebounds and four steals, while Gabi Vaden scored 11 points and Alayna Baune registered a double-double as she scored 11 points to go along with 12 rebounds.

Rosemary Laudenbach and Chloe Costin rounded out the scoring for the Eagles with three points apiece.

POINTS: Gabi Vaden 11, Rosemary Laudenbach 3, Annika Dunrud 16, Chloe Costin 3, Alayna Baune 11, Ayla Olson 12

ASSISTS: Gabi Vaden 2, Rosemary Laudenbach 4, Annika Dunrud 1, Chloe Costin 1, Alayna Baune 3, Violet Radniecki 1, Ayla Olson 5

REBOUNDS: Gabi Vaden 3, Rosemary Laudenbach 3, Annika Dunrud 9, Chloe Costin 1, Alayna Baune 12, Ayla Olson 15

STEALS: Gabi Vaden 2, Rosemary Laudenbach 2, Annika Dunrud 4, Alayna Baune 2, Violet Radniecki 1, Ayla Olson 2

BLOCKS: Ayla Olson 1