Rushford-Peterson Uses Late Run To Top Spring Grove
The Rushford-Peterson Trojans traveled down to Spring Grove to take on the Lions in a rematch of last year's Section 1A Championship, and the game did not disappoint. The Trojans got the win 69-65.
The Lions and Trojans battled all game long, with bodies on the floor diving for loose balls, hitting big shots and clearing the boards. The teams would trade leads throughout, with neither team leading by more than seven.
With the Lions leading 57-55 with just over 3 minutes to play, the Trojans went on a 6-0 run, with four points scored by Kobe Lind, to take a 61-57 lead with just under two minutes to play. That late push and tough defensive stands help the Trojans get the win. The Trojans would score 7 points in the final two minutes, getting much of them at the free-throw line to secure the win.
The Lions were great defensively for a majority of the second half. They were able to stifle the Trojans' offense and were able to get turnovers and turn it into points on the other side. Alex Folz led all scorers with 26 points, hitting six 3-pointers in the process.
The Trojans led 36-33 at the break, but Spring Grove went on a quick run to lead 41-38 after a Folz 3. Ethan Matzke and Noah Elton were able to attack out of the high post and find ways to keep the Lions offense moving. Matzke was great, filling up the stat sheet with nine points, six rebounds and four assists.
Spring Grove couldn't get shots to fall late, and Rushford-Peterson was able to hit some shots from the outside and hit at the free-throw line to get the win. Landon Skalet led the way with 20 points, while Luke O'Hare added 17 and Lind finished with 14.
The Lions fell to 14-2 with the loss, while the Trojans advanced to 13-6 with the win.
KFIL Subway Player of the Game (Rushford-Peterson) - Landon Skalet
KFIL Subway Player of the Game (Spring Grove) - Ethan Matzke
Kingsley Mercantile Game Ball (Rushford-Peterson) - Kobe Lind