Manawa girls defeat Bowler in overtime

By Holly Neumann

Laynie Bessette lays in two points for the Wolves. Holly Neumann photo.

Freshman Kassidee Zander sank a basket at the last second to seal a 49-48 victory for the Manawa Wolves in Tuesday’s game against the Bowler Panthers.

Manawa outscored Bowler in the first half of the game 22-19. Zander scored 8 points and Laynie Bessette had 6.

Bowler came back strong in the second half and outscored the Wolves 22-19, to tie the game.

With time running out on the clock, Bessette fouled Reanne Kietlinski, sending her to the line for the Panthers. She missed both free throws and the game went into overtime.

Kenedie Malone scored 7 points for Bowler in over time, but it was not enough.

Zander sank the winning shot for the Wolves as the buzzer sounded.

“It was a great feeling,” Zander said. “I knew it had to go in. This is the highlight of my season.”

Leading the scoring for Manawa was Zander with 17 points, followed by Bessette with 13.

Kietlinski was the top scorer for the Panthers with 24 points, followed by Malone with 15.

The Wolves will host the Wittenberg-Birnamwood Chargers on Friday, Jan. 8.