WILLMAR -- From the get-go, Macie Michelson and Marshall were too much for Willmar Tuesday.
Michelson, who recently signed to play Division I at South Dakota State University, netted 22 points to help the Tigers post a 63-43 win over the Cardinals in a non-conference girls basketball game.
Marshall (6-3) employed a full-court press and pressure defense from the start and it gave the Cardinals (4-6) fits. Michelson, a senior guard, helped the Tigers turn 10 Willmar first-half turnovers into 12 points.
Lisa Nielsen tried to keep Willmar from getting too far behind in the first half by scoring 11 of her team-high 17 points in the game's first 18 minutes. But Michelson nearly outscored the Cardinals in the first half by producing 18 points behind an assortment of shots as Marshall went into halftime with a comfortable 36-21 lead.
"She was by far the best player on the court," said Willmar coach Brad Atchison. "I'm glad we don't have to play her again."
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Willmar would get as close as only 13 in the second half on Briana Goldschmidt's long-range jumper nearly three minutes into the half.
"They throw a lot at you. They have the ability to throw points on the board quickly and in the blink of an eye they will go on a 6-0 or 8-0 run," said Atchison. "We relaxed a little, but they are one of the better outstate teams and we'll keep working."
Sara Evans pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds for Willmar, which is at St. Cloud Apollo on Thursday.
Marshall 63, Willmar 43
Marshall (6-3) 36 27 -- 63
Willmar (4-6) 21 22 -- 43
MARSHALL - 27-58 FG (4-9 3 pt); 5-11 FT; 27 rebounds; 13 fouls ... Scoring: Macie Michelson 22, Anna Full 16, Katie Mulder 11, Amanda Larsen 7, Shannon French 3, Ashley Schultze 2, Emily Tate 2 ... 3-point shots: Michelson 2, French 1, Larsen 1 ... Rebound leaders: Jessica Onken 8, Full 7, Michelson 7 ... Assist leader: Full 3 ... Steal leaders: Michelson 3, Mulder 3
WILLMAR - 20-54 FG (1-7 3 pt); 2-5 FT; 25 rebounds; 14 fouls ... Scoring: Lisa Nielsen 17, Kelsey Evans 9, Briana Goldschmidt 5, Britta Pederson 4, Brin Hanson 2, Greta King 2, Kjerstin Knutson 2, Hannah Okins 2 ... 3-point shots: Goldschmidt 1 ... Rebound leaders: Evans 12, Nielsen 5 ... Assist leader: Hanson 3 ... Steal leaders: Nielsen 2, Okins 2
