(Matt McCarthy/Daily News photo) Florence senior Lacey Enders dribbles towards the lane versus Wausaukee Thursday night at Florence High School.

FLORENCE, Wis. — Behind 18 points each from sophomores Sparrow Luccarini and Rachel Schlies, Wausaukee slipped past Florence 45-40 in non-conference girls basketball action Thursday night at Florence High School.

The first few minutes of the game were back and forth, with both young teams getting up and down the floor and Wausaukee scoring in transition. The Lady Rangers, who only suited up five players, turned the ball over often in the first half, which saw them get behind 16-10 with 5:30 remaining.

Florence got cold from the from the floor and also began to turn the ball over.

“Way too many turnovers again tonight, and we left to o many points out there in transition,” said Florence head coach Brad Perry.

The Rangers used an unorthodox triangle and two defense on the Ladycats to defend Isabella Millan and Lacey Enders, Florence’s two perimeter players. “That’s an unusual defense that very few teams run, but it will work against a young and inexperienced team like us,” Perry said.

The second half began with Florence working the ball around the perimeter, and making some baskets from the outside, getting out to a fairly comfortable lead. The Rangers battled back, and tied the game at 32-32.

“I give our girls credit tonight, they knew they were going to have to play without getting subbed in for and they fought hard,” said Wausaukee head coach Dave Messar. “The girls ran our game plan almost to perfection, and I am happy for that as well.”

The 45 points was the highest point total of the year for Wausaukee, Messar added. “We turned the ball over alot in every game, tonight was no different. But this was the second time we beat Florence and I am happy for the girls.”

Millan, who is a very stronger defender, picked up her fifth foul with 5:30 left in the game. Barely over a minute later, Enders hit the floor very hard, face first, causing her to have a fairly significant asthma attack, which forced her out for the remainder of the game.

In the remaining minutes, Wausaukee capitalized with Millan and Enders out of the game and pulled away for the 5-point win.

Leah Young led the Ladycats with 11 points, with Victoria Peterson chipping in 10 points. Enders snared a team-high 12 rebounds to go along with seven points.

“The girls played hard again tonight, they play hard every game,” Perry said. “Lacey (Enders) played so hard, she had an asthma attack.”

Both teams return to action tonight, with Florence hosting Northern Lakes Conference foe Elcho at approximately 7:15 p.m. after the Bobcats boys face Phelps.

Wausaukee returns home to host St. Thomas Aquinas Academy in Marinette-Oconto Conference action.

Wausaukee. 20 25 — 45

Florence 20 20 — 40

WAUSAUKEE: Forst 4, Schlies 18, Schroeder 2, Truesdell 3, Luccarini 18; FT: 3-15; F: 6; Fouled Out: None; 3-point FG: None.

FLORENCE: Young 11, Peterson 10, Millan 8, Uren 4, Enders 7; FT: 0-2; F:16: Fouled Out: Millan; 3-point FG: Young, Millan 2, Enders; FG-Shooting: 18-62; Rebounds: 222, Enders 12; Steals: 14, Enders 5; Assists: 11, Millan 6.