Winona Area Public Schools
Before Tuesday's game, the boys basketball team held staff appreciation night. Some of the staff members honored included, from left, Kimberly Truchan (escorted by Ethan Prodzinski), Mindy Reinardy (escorted by Dane Reinardy — her son), Theresa Pearson (escorted by Jackson Nibbelink) and Barrie Schank (escorted by Parker Jones).
First, they honored their favorite staff member. Then, they won their first game of the season.
It was a good night for the members of the Winona Senior High School boys basketball team.
The Winhawks got 25 points from Jackson Nibbelink to beat Albert Lea 82-71 in a Big 9 Conference game, the first home game of the young season for Winona (1-1, 1-1).
Nibbelink sank five 3-pointers in the second half for Winona. Ethan Prodzinski added 19 points, while Garit Wollan had 13 points and Parker Jones added 10.
Javarus Mucha Owens scored 25 points to lead Albert Lea (2-1, 1-1), which was coming off a 72-48 win at Faribault on Dec. 6.
The Winhawks are back in action Thursday night at Mankato East, then have a home game Saturday against Rochester John Marshall.
Girls basketball
Albert Lea 63, Winona 42: The Winhawks (0-5, 0-4), playing for the third time in five days, made a charge in the second half but fell short to the Tigers (2-1, 2-1).