MINNEAPOLIS — The New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva girls’ basketball team is the 2012-13 Class AA state champion.

The Panthers took down Braham 60-59 in a thriller Saturday at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

NRHEG’s junior star, Carlie Wagner, set six girls’ basketball state tournament records en route to the Panthers first state title. Wagner scored most field goal attempts in a game (43), most field goals made in a game (21), most points in a game (50), most field goal attempts in a tournament (110), most field goals made in a tournament (48) and most points in a tournament (129). In addition, Carlie’s younger sister, eighth-grader Maddie Wagner, was named to the All-Tournament team.

Carlie scored on the first shot of the game, and she never stopped. Her total of 50 points is a new state tournament record. The point total beat her previous record of 48 from the semifinal win over Minneapolis Washburn and a game at the state tournament last season.

The Panthers maintained a small lead most of the first half, with Carlie lighting up the scoreboard. She outscored the entire Braham team for most of the game.

The Panthers took a double-digit lead into the half, 27-15, but Braham came roaring back with 44 points in the second.

The Bombers took a two-point lead, 37-35, with 11 minutes 19 seconds left in the game. Carlie answered by nailing a jumper. At the 7-minute mark, Braham took a 42-41 lead with a 3-pointer by Rebekah Dahlman. Carlie answered with a layup. It was a recurring theme. With 3:44 left, the Panthers amassed a nine-point lead.

However, Braham rallied. Again. The Bombers came all the way back to tie the game at 59 with 26 seconds left. With six seconds remaining, Carlie was fouled and hit one of two from the charity stripe.

Braham had one more chance. But NRHEG’s defense was aggressive, and the Bombers didn’t get a decent shot off.

Also scoring for the Panthers were Marnie Wagner, 4 points; Maddie Wagner, 4 points; and Katie Cole 2 points.

 

Class AA state championship: New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva 60, Braham 59

 

NRHEG 27 33 — 60

Braham 15 44 — 59

 

NRHEG stats: Carlie Wagner 50 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 block; Maddie Wagner 4 points, 6 rebounds; Marnie Wagner 4 points, 3 rebounds; Katie Cole 2 points, 3 rebounds; Paige Overgaard 12 rebounds, 1 steal; Hannah Lundberg 4 rebounds, 1 assist.