Ike defense keys win over Vikings

The New Berlin Eisenhower girls had a fast start and a strong finish and defeated New Berlin West, 52-38, on Dec. 13 in the annual intra-city battle.

The Lions outscored West, 28-16, in the first and fourth quarters, so the fact that the Vikings were only outscored 24-22 in the middle two periods didn't make a difference.

Eisenhower jumped out to a 10-point halftime lead (25-15) and then held off the Vikings in the second half.

"Without a doubt, that is the best I have seen Eisenhower play team defense," West coach Corey Scheel said. "A lot of people like their offense, but their defense doesn't get any credit. I commend them for their effort."

The Lions held 6-foot-2-inch junior center Stephanie Turner to three free throws.

"They fronted her and did a great job," Scheel said.

Schmidt praised Turner and the Vikings outside shooters.

"We tried to play them straight up defensively," he said. "We were very active. Stephanie is very good and they also have good outside shooters so we had to also step out.

"I give a lot of credit to our kids. They were much more physical."

Scheel talked about his team's shooting.

"We hit 6-for-21 from the 3-point line," he said, "but we didn't hit enough of them. We also didn't give enough help to Stephanie down low."

Nicole Bauman led the way with 17 points, while Katie Lang added 14 for Eisenhower. Beth Ver Haagh scored 11 for the Vikings, their only scorer in double figures.

"Nicole Bauman is a great player and showed it that night," Scheel said. "When you play against her you hate to watch it. When She plays someone else you enjoy. She makes her teammates better."

Scheel pointed out that every time his squad got close to Eisenhower, the Lions would make a run.

"We couldn't get over the hump," he said. "We're still working being young, but we'll get on the right track."