By Jed Buelow

Tomahawk Leader Co-Editor, Sports and Nature Editor

Gracie Barnett hit double digits in scoring and Addison Bartz chipped in seven as the Lady Hatchet girls’ basketball team played one of their better games of the season in falling to a tough Northland Lutheran squad in Kronenwetter.

The Wildcats jumped out to an early 11 point lead before Tomahawk came fighting back to cut the advantage to three with eight to play in the first half. Northland Lutheran managed to stretch the lead back to 11 points with nine minutes to play in the second half and went on to get the 55-33 non-conference win.

Hatchet coach Garth Gerstenberger said he liked what he saw from his team in what he called one of their better games of the season. He said the rebounding improved in the second half and the offense showed some good patience through the entire game.

Northland Lutheran (7-1) finished with seven threes in the win. Tomahawk (1-7) was led on offense by Gracie Barnett (11 points) and Bartz. Tiana Gerstenberger scored 5 and Emily Maki and Sydney Barnett added 4 apiece, respectively.

The Lady Hatchets were back in action Monday as they began a five-game home stretch against Rhinelander. This Friday, Jan. 17 they host Northland Pines in another GNC showdown before hosting Phillips on Tuesday, Jan. 21 for a non-conference matchup. Both home games will be held at Hatchet Fieldhouse with opening tip at 7:15 p.m.