By Coach Brian Walker

The Minnewaska C-squad lost a game at Sauk Centre, Friday, Dec. 9, 34-29, battling early foul trouble and an aggressive Mainstreeter defense.  Minnewaska started slow in this game, trailing at halftime, 20-12, as Sauk Centre made 6-of-16 free-throws in the first half alone.  Thanks to Tristan O’Neil’s buzzer-beating 3 pointer at the end of the first half, the Lakers felt confident going into the halftime break.  In the second half, Minnewaska outscored SC, 17-14, but would still fall five points short of the comeback win. 

Tristan O’Neil had 11 of his game-high 16 points in the second half to lead the Lakers, while Conner Erickson battled foul problems in the first half, but would score 6 of his 9 in the second half.  Marshall Kopp and Drew Bleick added two points each.  “I was pleased with the effort as we fell behind by 8-10 points at one time, so I liked the fight the kids showed in coming back and having a chance at the end of the game,” coach Walker said.  “This would be the team’s first loss of the year, so hopefully we can learn from it and go out the next time and continue to show improvements.”