NORWAY — Florence spoiled Norway’s home opener here Tuesday with a 42-27 non-conference victory.

“The girls were nervous about the atmosphere of an out of state game, with several things both in pre-game and in game being different from what they are used to in our conference and non-conference games in Wisconsin, but they settled in quickly.” said Florence head coach Brad Perry.

Wisconsin high school basketball games are two 18-minute halves, instead of four eight-minute quarters in Michigan.

“Defensively we played and communicated well, we tried a new type of defense in the first half,” Perry said. “In the second half, we played regular zone defense. The girls were great tonight defensively and have been all along thus far this season.”

“The first game jitters got the best of us in the first half and we fell into a hole we couldn’t get out of. Florence’s Jenna Springer hit some timely threes in the second quarter to ruin any momentum we may have gained,” said Knights head coach Joe Tinti.

Florence’s Springer twins Jordyn and Jenna combined for 26 points on the night, with Jenna netting 16 on three first-half three-point field goals.

Junior Mackenzie Clifford led Norway with 13 points.

Perry, a Norway High School class of 1997 graduate, noted he had mixed emotions returning to his alma mater as a varsity head coach for the opposing team.

“It was strange for me tonight sitting on the visiting bench, and talking with and shaking hands with people I knew and grew up with, prior to the start of the game. Having spent a couple of years as a boys junior high coach in the district, returning to Norway tonight was a unique experience for me as a coach.”

Norway heads to Skyline Central Conference foe Stephenson Thursday night, while the Lady Cats travel to North Dickinson on Friday.

The JV Game was won by Norway 37-10.

FLORENCE: Neuens 4, Behrmann 2, Jordyn Springer 10, Jenna Springer 16, M. Neuens 8, Enders 2. FT: 13-19. F:10. 3-point FG: Jenna Springer (3). Rebounds: 35 (M. Neuens 8, Jenna Springer 7, Behrmann 7) FG Shooting: 13-44

NORWAY: Anderson 2, Chellew 1, Stanchina 3, Gyselink 8, Clifford 13. FT: 3-7. F: 16. Fouled Out: Gyselink. 3-point FG: Stanchina, Clifford

FLORENCE DOUBLES UP ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

MARINETTE, Wis. — In non-conference girls basketball action Monday, Florence defeated St. Thomas Aquinas 48-24.

Coach Brad Perry was pleased with his team’s performance on the night “I’m proud of how we attacked the basket again tonight”, he said. “Defensively we played well together and helped each other. We shot 27 free throws, to bring our per game average to 27 free throw attempts. That means we are looking to make plays & are being aggressive.” Perry said.

Madison Neuens’ 11 points and seven rebounds, and Jordyn Springer also scoring 11 points, led the way for Florence on the night. Jenna Springer chipped in nine points and a team-leading eight rebounds. Lacey Enders also had nine points on the evening.

Perry also noted that with STAA not fielding a JV team, he was able to give a few of Florence’s JV players some varsity experience in the second half.