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Tigers defeat ConcordiaThe Rush City boys basketball squad fell to Aitkin before earning wins over Concordia Academy and Isle last week. The squad opened a busy week with a 50-42 loss to Aitkin Dec. 9 in the season opener. The Gobblers took the early 12-6 lead after one quarter, but the Tigers came back to outscore Aitkin 12-11 in the second, narrowing Aitkinís lead to 23-18 at the half. Overall, the Tigers struggled offensively. ìOur downfall was shooting,î Head Coach Gary Dreissig said. ìYou canít shoot 29 percent and expect to win. Once we get that percentage up, we will do just fine.î The defense did well for Rush City, holding 6í4î Aitkin post player Roman Haberkorn to just 12 points on the night. Senior Kris Guentzel led the team with 19 points, going 7 of 9 at the free throw line. Junior Kevin Bengtson added 11 and senior Tim Karnick had 10 points. Last Thursday, the Tigers picked up a 64-51 victory over Concordia at home. After falling behind 15-14 after one quarter, Rush City came back to outscore Concordia 15-4 in the second for a 29-19 lead at the half. Concordia hit 6 quick baskets to start the third quarter and narrowed the Rush City lead to 40-35 after three quarters. The Tigers defense held firm while its offense exploded with three-pointers and break-away baskets in the fourth, for a 24 point run and the 64-51 win. ìIt was rewarding to play four consistent quarters of offense this early in the season,î Dreissig said. Senior Andrew Kaufmann added 18 points. Senior Brent Freeman and Bengtson added 7 each. The next day, Rush City wrapped up the week with a 61-52 win over Isle, in a game that Dreissig said the squad could have easily lost. ìWe were fortunate to win since our performance was below average,î he said. ìI think playing Aitkin and Concordia already in the week took its toll, both physically and mentally.î The Tigers trailed 27-24 at the half, and Isle retained the three-point lead at 37-34 after three. Rush City again had a strong fourth quarter, exploding with 27 points for the 61-52 win. Guentzel led the team with 19 points, followed by Kaufmann with 12 and freshman Jerred Nelson with 9. Rush City takes its 2-1 overall record to the annual St. Johnís tournament this week, with round one beginning Thursday, Dec. 18 against Royalton. ©ECM Post Review |