NEW GLARUS — The Darlington Redbirds built up a big lead at halftime, then turned back the New Glarus Glarner Knights attempt to make a comeback, getting their 11th straight win 57-47 on Monday, Jan. 19.

The Redbirds got a double digit lead early in the first half on a pair of baskets by senior Maddie Gratz and a field goal by junior Lilly Ritchie to take a 13-3 lead with 13:04 remaining in the half.

A basket by junior Kate Parman got the Knights to within 24-12 with six minutes left before halftime. But, Gratz made two free throws with 26.9 seconds left to give Darlington a 34-14 halftime lead.

New Glarus slowly but surely made a comeback in the second half, much like they did in an overtime loss to Belleville last week. The comeback wasn’t as a result of a furious rally, but it was done in small, short spurts. Freshman Kennedy Sysko made back-to-back baskets to trim the deficit to 17 at 40-23. Sophomore Annabelle Curl made a three-pointer, and freshman Ellie Parman made a couple of free throws to make the score 45-30 with under eight minutes to play. Moments later, Ellie Parman made a three, and Kate Parman connected on two free throws. After senior Sadie Goebel made two free throws for Darlington, Ellie Parman drained another three and that cut the Glarner Knights deficit to single digits at 47-38 with 5:40 left.

A three-point play by junior Kalia Malaise brought the Knights to within five points at 52-47 with 2:40 left. But, that’s the closest the Glarner Knights would get as Goebel sank two free throws and senior Catie Hartwig scored off an offensive rebound to put the Redbirds in control in the final minute.

Ritchie had 15 points and Goebel had 13 points to lead Darlington in scoring. Ellie Parman tallied 17 points and Kate Parman came up with 12 points to pace New Glarus.

Darlington coach Mike Flanagan was pleased to see his team score inside and build up a halftime lead. 

“We were able to get some opportunities inside, but again, credit to New Glarus. They just really kept coming back. They hit some big shots when we had our offensive lulls, but our kids stayed pretty level and stayed the course and found ways to make plays,” Flanagan said.

Darlington (11-3, 6-1 SWAL) was scheduled to play at Cuba City in SWAL action on Thursday, Jan. 22. New Glarus (7-8, 1-1 Capitol South) was to meet Marshall in a Capitol South Conference game on Thursday, Jan. 22.