ON HIS GAME — Tyler Sorenson of the Panthers (11) goes up for a shot against Hayfield Saturday night. Coach Pat Churchill said the senior is playing very good basketball right now. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG boys’ basketball team fell short against a strong Hayfield team Saturday night, dropping a 56-45 nonconference decision in New Richland.
The Panthers fell to 3-9 overall. The Vikings improved to 10-3.
It was a hard fought, physical, defensive game, according to Panthers coach Pat Churchill, whose team jumped to an early six-point lead. Hayfield slowly got the momentum — particularly at the foul line, where they shot 35 free throws, 14 in the first half — and took a 27-19 halftime advantage.
“We were fouling a little bit too much and letting them get opportunities from the line,” said Churchill. “Fortunately they didn't shoot well from the line tonight, only making 16 for the game.”
The Vikings took control of the game in the second half, building a 15-point lead. The Panthers refused to fold, however, and climbed within seven with five minutes left. It got no closer.“We had opportunities to cut it closer, but we just didn't convert in those critical situations,” said Churchill.
The Panthers struggled shooting, going 4-for-23 from three-point range, a statistic Churchill credits to Hayfield’s defense.
“They made all our shots difficult tonight,” said the coach.
Churchill said Cole Kruger had a nice game for Hayfield with 16 points.
“He is a complete player and does a lot of stuff that makes it difficult to defend,” said Churchill “Bobbie Stephens had 12 points but didn't shoot very well tonight. He is the best shooter in this area and we were able to be physical with him coming off screens. That frustrated him a little bit.”
The Panthers’ leaders: Tyler Sorenson 16 points, seven rebounds; Sam Lundberg 14 points, nine rebounds; Matt Carlson six points; Spencer Hanna four points; Nic Mangskau three points; Carter Tollefson two points.
“Tyler Sorenson is playing very good basketball right now,” said Churchill. “He can put us on his shoulders offensively at times. Sam Lundberg also had a good game rebounding and offensively. He does all the little things that don't show up in the box score. I feel we have improved as a team and we are going to start winning some of these games against good teams.”
The Panthers hosted Medford Tuesday and won 64-58. They play Thursday at Randolph and host WEM Friday. Next week, it’s St. Clair at home Monday and at Blue Earth Area Tuesday.