Echo community correspondent Amanda Dodge contributed to this story.
Shelby rode a 22-point night from sophomore star Jayna Burmeister to a 52-33 win over Manistee Saturday, the team's final test before the winter break.
The Tigers raced out to a big early lead and were never threatened from there, enabling coach Sarah Wolting to get plenty of playing time for her reserve players. She said her Tigers deserved credit for putting forth great effort throughout the game.
"We just worked hard, is what it comes down to," Wolting said. "Offensively, defensively,
we fight for every rebound. We're starting to click. Last year we
struggled with that a little bit, and this year it's just clicking."
Burmeister also pulled down 16 rebounds and hit four three-pointers in the game. The sophomore has picked up right where she left off from an impressive freshman season as the Tigers have won their first three games by double-figure margins.
Shelby's Jayna Burmeister knocks the ball loose from Manistee's Madalyn Wayward during Saturday's game at Shelby. The Tigers rolled to a 52-33 win.
"Jayna Burmeister is probably the strongest kid out there," Wolting said. "She moves
well, she scores well, she plays defense well. She's a great all-around
player. She's starting to be that leader and get people to where they're
supposed to be."
Also for Shelby, Jordan Wolting had eight points and Michelle Peterson chipped in seven.
The game wasn't fully without deficiencies for the Tigers, though. Wolting said the team could have communicated better on defense, and outside shooting and post play will continue to be points of emphasis.
"We always have stuff to work on," Wolting chuckled. "There's so much to work on. This group comes every day, and we do work hard. That's awesome. Being so young, you never know what you're going to get, but these girls want to get better, for each other and for themselves."
