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HLA boys’ rally falls short
Published 10:46am Monday, January 21, 2013The Hillcrest boys could not overcome a big first half deficit as they saw the visiting Wheaton/Herman-Norcross Warriors get back on the bus with a 68-57 win Saturday.
The Comets fell into a hole in the first half as turnovers added to their struggling field goal shooting as they left at the break down 35-24.
In the second half, Hillcrest rallied to within one of the Warriors. Wheaton was able to regain their composure and hold off the late charge to seal the win.
Daniel Nersten scored 23 points for the Comets, while teammate Jake Isaac contributed 18 tallies in the game.
The Comets will look to get back on the winning track Tuesday as they host the Ashby Arrows in a 7:30 p.m. Little Eight Conference battle.
PR boys on autopilot versus Flyers 79-35
MOORHEAD – A aggressive full court press defense and a well-balance scoring attack has been the recipe for wins with the Pelican Rapids boys basketball team and Saturday’s action at Concordia-Moorhead was no different as the Vikings cruised past Bagley 79-35.
The Vikings were able to use their up tempo style of play to gain a 48-21 lead going into the break.
The Flyers needed a spark in the second half, but everytime they got something going the Pelican Rapids defense was able to blow it out. The Vikings added 31 points in the second half as they claimed their fourth straight win.
Pelican Rapids’ Ryan Bruggeman led the team in scoring with 20 points, while teammates Tucker Forsgren (13) and Travis Haugen (12) were also in double figures in the win.
The Vikings will now have to prepare for tough test as they travel to take on No. 7 (Class AA) Hawley Nuggets Monday in a battle of Heart O’Lakes Conference supremacy. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.
Upsala’s run leaves Knights in dust 71-43
BARRETT – The West Central Area boys were within shots of No. 4 (Class A) Upsala, but saw the team go on a 31-9 point run to finish the game and take the win 71-43 Saturday.
Upsala held a 31-22 half-time lead, but saw Knights get within six points in the second half. The Cardinals were able to turn on their offensive firepower as they drained five treys in the final six minutes to hold off the home team.
“Upsala is so good in transition and they score in flurries,” Knights’ coach Kraig Hunter said. “We thought we had a chance with just under seven minutes and the score at 40-34, but Upsala is just so deep and keeps coming in waves.”
Jay Zimmerman led the Knights with 13 points, while teammate Drew Peterson added 12 tallies in the game.
The Knights will be back in action Monday as they host the Ashby Arrows in a 7:30 p.m. match up.
Spartans stung by Rochester 96-73
ROCHESTER – In a battle for the top of the MCAC Southern Division, the hosting Yellowjackets were able to best the visiting M State Men 96-73 Saturday.
The No. 10 (NJCAA, Div. III) ‘Jackets were able to keep the Spartans off tilt the entire evening as the visiting team shot a season low 31 percent from the field converting on only 25 of their 81 shots attempted.
Boomer Blossom led the Spartans with 16 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for a double-double. Luke Halbakken (15), Shane Bosek (13) and Chuckie Smith (12) were also in double figures in the loss.
The Spartans will look to get over this speed bump as they host Riverland CTC at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
