Larsen leads Oconto Falls past Phantoms

DE PERE - It’s no secret as to what the key is to the Oconto Falls girls basketball team this season – McKenna Larsen.

The junior is one of the best players in Northeast Wisconsin and when the point guard gets things going, the Panthers can be a formidable team.

That was evident Friday night as Falls traveled to West De Pere for a Bay Conference game. After a sluggish first quarter in which Falls led 12-10, the Panthers took control with Larsen at the controls.

The slick left-hander scored seven of her 16 points in the second quarter as the Panthers outscored the Phantoms, 20-3, in the frame en route to a 62-41 win.

“We picked up the ball pressure and put the ball in No. 20’s hands,” Falls coach Michael Kaczmarek Jr. said. “We’re only going to go as far as No. 20 takes us. She creates things for us.”

Larsen said the key to the second quarter was getting up and down the court.

“I think we were in our offense and getting out in transition; that’s what helps,” Larsen said. “We’re not a tall team, so we have to push it up.”

And that’s when Larsen shines. She’s fast, dribbles with her head up to survey the floor and is an accurate passer. Also, if nobody picks her up, she’ll go to the basket.

Friday, Larsen (5 feet 7) picked her spots to score, but she didn’t have to carry the load as she had help. Jennifer Spang led all scorers with 19 points and Erin Gilligan added 10 as they benefited from Larsen’s presence.

“(Larsen) creates a lot for our girls,” Kaczmarek said. “They’re very fortunate to play with a point guard like that. We just tell them you have to get open, McKenna will find you. You’re a great coach when shots fall. Tonight, I thought we shot the ball fairly well.”

Larsen, who has scored at least 15 points in three games this season, said she’s not consumed with scoring. In fact, she’d rather see others tickle the twine.

“If I could have 20 assists a game; I like passing the ball,” Larsen said. “Get people open looks, that’s what I like to do. It’s nice when other people score and chip in.”

For Falls to become a top-half team in the Bay, it will need more than Larsen. New London is riding a 45-game winning streak and is the obvious team to beat, while Denmark also figures to be in the mix.

Beyond that, it's anbody's guess, so maybe Falls can fit in up there.

“I think we can finish in the top half, we can finish in the bottom half,” Kaczmarek said. “We need to become much better rebounders and defensively we’re not even close to where we need to be.”

Friday, the defense was good which allowed Falls to run at times and it led to an easy win. Not every game will be like this and Larsen knows if Falls is to become a top-half conference team there’s plenty that needs to be done.

“It’s going to take a lot of effort and work,” Larsen said. “I’m excited to play New London. If we keep improving every game … I think it’s going to be exciting.”

• 3-pointers: West De Pere was led by Hannah Shimek’s 11 points. … Oconto Falls was 6-for-14 from 3-point range, while West De Pere was 0-for-12. … Spang was 8-for-13 at the free throw line.
• Game ball: Larsen, who scored 7 of her 16 points in the decisive second quarter and helped get her teammates open.
• Numbers game: 45 Points Spang, Larsen and Gilligan combined to score.

OCONTO FALLS 62, WEST DE PERE 41
Oconto Falls….12  20 18  12  -  62
West De Pere…10  3   14 14  -  41

Oconto Falls: Jennifer Spang 19, Erin Gilligan 10, McKenna Larsen 16, Meghan Vandenack 3, Carly Lemke 3, Elizabeth Watzka 5, Annestahsia Rabe 6. Totals: 22 12-18 62. 3-pointers: 6. (Gilligan 1, Spang 1, Larsen 2, Vandenack 1, Watzka 1). Fouls: 11. Record: 2-1, 1-1.
West De Pere: Sam Wegener 4, Kelsey Van Vonderen 6, Bailey Denis 6, Sarah Stefaniak 2, Hannah Shimek 11, Meagan Rahn 4, April Buck 2,  Eva Skenandore 1, Krysta Klatt 3, Christina Heckman 2. Totals: 18 5-8 41. 3-pointers: None. Fouls: 14. Record: 0-3, 0-1.

Follow Doug Ritchay on Twitter @dougritchay

doug.ritchay@wluk.com