Staff report

LIMA — Minster raced out to a 15-3 lead, five minutes into the first quarter, and was never really challenged by Lima Central Catholic in a 71-50 victory in the consolation game of the Bath Holiday Girls Basketball Tournament.

After a sluggish shooting night for Minster in Tuesday’s loss to Bath, Minster found its range against the T-Birds.

Three players scored in double figures for Minster, which is now 8-2. Courtney Prenger, a 6-foot freshman, led the way with 22 points, 14 rebounds, three blocked shots and three assists. LeAnn Huelsman poured in 18 points, including four 3-pointers. Rosie Westerbeck added 14 points, six boards and three steals for Minster.

LCC’s Madison Stolly led all scorers with 27 points, including two shots behind the arc. Teammate Shelby Donnelly added 11 points, including two 3-pointers for the T-Birds (4-8).

Minster dominated the boards, 31-17.

Minster led 19-13 by the end of the first quarter. Then, the Wildcats extended their lead to 33-20 by the break.

The third quarter was the backbreaker for the T-Birds, as Minster outscored them 25-13. Minster was 10-of-12 shooting from the floor in the third frame. For the game, Minster shot 45 percent, while LCC shot 44 percent.

“I felt we had some mismatches inside, and we did go inside,” Minster coach Nann Stechschulte said. “That was part of the plan and we were lucky that both Courtney (Prenger) and Hannah (Schmitmeyer, eight points) both finished. Just hitting some of the perimeter shots, made everybody loosen up. And when you do that, it opens up the inside.”