The North Central varsity basketball girls were defeated 43-36 in a trip into Strasburg, N.D. on December 18 vs. Strasburg-Zeeland.

The hosts indeed had narrowly trailed 10-9 after a quarter, but were able to grab a 23-15 halftime lead. And they then  tacked on a 36-26 edge with a quarter to play.

But the Thunder obtained 14 points by Jenisa Jacobs. Then Ella Batie and Alaina Dosch each netted seven points and Amree Vander Vorst contributed six points with a pair of treys. (Dosch included one trey as well.) And Katelyn Engelhardt rounded out their scoring with her two points.

The hosts landed five players into their scorebook led by Addison Wagner with 19 points. Bobbie Janczewski was next with her 12 points. They totaled 15 accurate floor shots including three treys and added 10 free throws in 11 tries.

North Central responded with 15 baskets  that featured that trio of treys. They were 3-6 in free throws.

The Thunder collected 24 rebounds, led by Jacobs, VanderVorst and Dosch with four apiece. The hosts grabbed 41 rebounds. But they committed 23 turnovers: NC, 16.

The North Central girls and boys will travel to Timber Lake for an afternoon doubleheader on Dec. 28.