The New Glarus Glarner Knights stepped onto the floor Tuesday night knowing the challenge in front of them would be significant. Facing a hot, Division 3 No. 8 Lake Mills squad with one of the area’s most explosive offenses, the Knights competed hard early before the L-Cats pulled away in the second half for an 85-54 win at the New Glarus High School Gymnasium.

New Glarus entered the night at 6-2 overall, riding momentum from a pair of impressive wins over winter break, including a dramatic overtime comeback against Platteville. That momentum was tested immediately, however, as the Knights were without junior guard Quinn Marty, injured late in regulation Saturday night. Against a deep Lake Mills roster, that absence loomed large as the game unfolded.