Liewen sparks two wins for Central girls

Brookfield Central senior Anna Liewen poured in 52 points in two games and the Lancers went 2-0 and improved their records to 6-5 overall and 3-2 in the Greater Metro Conference.

After crushing Madison East, 68-31, in a non-conference game Jan. 3 on the road, the Lancers got back into GMC play and won 47-38 over Wauwatosa East (2-3, 3-7) in a game that was closer than expected.

The Lancers (3-2, 6-5) have won four in a row and five of six games and they face a huge challenge on Friday at first-place Sussex Hamilton (5-0, 9-0).

Central is happy to see Liewen come through like she has the past two games as she has raised her season points per game mark to almost 16.

"Anna has really played well," coach Dan Wandrey said. "She wanted to win that game more than anyone else Friday night. She is doing a good job inside for us. She was like 13-of-18 from the field."

Central blew away the Red Raiders early racing to a 23-10 lead at halftime and then held them off in the second half.

The Red Raiders outscored the defending four-time conference champions, 28-24, in the second half, but by then it was too much to overcome.

The biggest problem of the night for Tosa East was Liewen, who finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds, nine off the offensive glass.

Central's only other offensive threat was sophomore Lydia Rohde, who scored eight points, had four assists and two blocks. Sarah Fotsch also continued to play well underneath, grabbing 11 rebounds, eight on the defensive end, and Mary DeChant led the team with six assists as her improved play has helped the Lancers.

Central took a 12-4 lead in the first period and then outscored Tosa East 11-6 in the second quarter.

Tosa East's Katie Salmon led the way with nine points.

The Lancers had an easy non-conference win at Madison East to start the week.

Central's defense was outstanding, holding East to nine, eight, 12 and two points in each quarter.

The Lancers jumped off to a 16-9 first-quarter lead and stretched it to 34-17 at intermission. They finished strong with an 18-2 fourth quarter.

Liewen has continued her solid play with 24 points and six rebounds. Fotsch had an outstanding all-around game with 13 rebounds, eight points, six steals and five assists. Freshman Emma Brauer, who has been getting better with every game, added 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Rohde had six points, six assists and five rebounds and DeChant also had a nice game with six rebounds, three steals and two assists. Nicole Hinz had eight rebounds and Debbie Entzminger had nine points as the Lancers scored a season-high 68 points.

The Purgolders (3-8) were missing top scorer Makailah Dyer (27.6 points per game).