NB boys pick up two RRC wins

By Danielle Strenke
The North Branch boys basketball team improved to 10-5 overall with conference wins against St. Michael-Albertville and Princeton last week.
In the St. Michael game, the Vikings hit 4 three-pointers in the first quarter to take a 14-4 early lead. It was extended to 25-12 at the half, before North Branch exploded offensively with 27 in the third quarter to put the game out of reach. The squad added 16 in the final quarter for the 68-46 win.
The Vikes were on target offensively, shooting better than 61 percent for field goals and over 46 percent from behind the arc.
Junior Matt Fletcher led the charge with 22 points, followed by senior Tyler Higley and junior Jake Anderson both with 12 points. Senior Jeremy Anderson added 9 and junior Britt Baumann added 5. He also led the team with 6 assists in the win.
The Vikes led by the slim margin of 4 at the half against Princeton, but once again unleashed an offensive onslaught in the third quarter to put the game out of reach. After coming out on top 17-16 after the first quarter, North Branch took the slight 20-17 edge in the second for the 37-33 halftime lead.
The Vikes outscored the Tigers 24-12 in the third, taking a 61-45 lead into the fourth. The squad added 20 in the final stanza to Princetonís 10 for the 81-55 final.
Shooting percentages improved from the St. Michael win, as North Branch hit for 75 percent in the two-point range and an even 50 percent for three-pointers and free throws.
Fletcher totalled 24 points in the game and 6 rebounds. Jake Anderson was 5 for 9 behind the three-point line, coming up with 23 points. Higley added 17 to the cause and 6 assists. Jeremy Anderson and senior Jared Gagne added 4 apiece, while Baumann led the team again in assists with 7.
This week, the team was scheduled to host Mora Tuesday and travel to Chisago Lakes Friday in two Rum River Conference matchups.

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