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Boys squad falls to tough RRC teamsThe North Branch boys basketball team took on the two top teams in the Rum River Conference last week, ending up with a pair of losses. Tuesday, they fell 60-45 to Chisago Lakes. In the game, the Wildcats jumped out to an early 12-1 lead before the Vikes regrouped and narrowed the gap to 27-20 at the half. The Vikes continued to hammer at the Wildcats in the second half, but were unable to close the gap. ìI was really proud of our kids,î head coach Bill Baumann said. ìWe came out tight and let them jump out early but responded and were able to cut the lead to three in the second quarter.î Matt Fletcher led the team with 12 points, while Tyler Higley picked up nine and Kyle Ekstrom and Alex Streater added seven each. Fridayís game against Sauk Rapids also ended with a 15-point North Branch deficit, 54-39. ìWe were really playing pretty good defense and we had the game still within reach,î Baumann said. ìWe made some critical mistakes in the last two minutes of the first half, and the Stormís lead went from eight to 14.î The Vikes were able to outscore the Storm 11-8 in the final stanza, but it wasnít enough for the win. ìWe started to be more aggressive with our offense in the second half,î Baumann said. Fletcher again led the offense with 11 points. Britt Baumann, Streater and Ekstrom tallied seven apiece. ìWe now have five of our last seven games at home. We are hoping to make a run at this time,î Baumann said. The team holds third place in the conference, with a 5-3 conference record, 8-11 overall. The Vikings start their home stand with an RRC match up against Foley Thursday, with another conference game Tuesday against Milaca. ©ECM Post Review |