Rockford started out hot on the offensive side of the floor and by the end of the first quarter was leading the Irish 15-30. Maple Lake kept with the Rockets in the second quarter both offensively and defensively, as each team scored 16 points. However, that wasn’t enough for the Irish as they still trailed 31-46.
Coming out after half-time, the Irish had some catching up to do. They pushed the ball up and down the floor, but were outscored again in the third quarter. The score was now 38-68, in favor of the Rockets. The Irish did manage to outscore the Rockets in the fourth quarter, 20-17, but that wasn’t enough for a come-from-behind win. The Irish were defeated by the Rockets, 58-85.
“Rockford is a very good team and outplayed us on both ends of the floor. We need to work on improving our teamwork,” said Coach Tim Staloch.
ML vs. Upsala
Maple Lake traveled to St. John’s Prep for the annual Holiday tournament. They finished first in this tournament last year and were looking to do the same this year. In order to achieve their goal they would have to get past the Upsala Cardinals on Thursday night, Dec. 16.
The first quarter started off neck-and-neck. Both teams played aggressively towards the basket. The score after eight minutes was Maple Lake 11 and Upsala 13. Trying to finish out the first half strong, the Irish found themselves trailing the Cardinals by a score of 20-26.
Upsala wasted no time on the offensive end of the court as they outscored the Irish 11-19 in the third quarter. Maple Lake had some work to do, now behind by 14 points. However, the Irish did not give up. They heated up offensively and took it to the Cardinals. Maple Lake came within three points at one time towards the end of the game, but that wasn’t enough to come away with the victory. The final score ended Maple Lake 55, Upsala 63.
ML vs. Royalton
After Thursday night’s loss, the Irish were ready to come out and play their true game. Maple Lake was looking strong after the first quarter against the Royalton Royals. The score after the first eight minutes was in favor of the Irish, 14-10. However, Maple Lake would not stop there as they continued to increase the lead. The Irish had now gained a 29-20 advantage over the Royals.
The Irish would need to continue to stay focused coming out in the second half, playing strong both offensively and defensively. The score was looking good for the Irish going into the final quarter of play as they led Royalton 41-30. The Royals did make a comeback on the offensive end of the court, tightening the game up a bit in the fourth quarter. The Irish, however, managed to hang onto the lead, winning the game 51-48.
ML vs. Rush City
Maple Lake headed into the last night of the St. John’s Prep tournament on Dec. 18 with a record of 1-1. They were looking to gain yet another victory against Rush City.
The Irish picked up their defense and managed to hold Rush City to zero points in the first quarter. The Irish, however, made it happen when they had a chance with the ball, scoring 13 points in the opening quarter. The ball kept on rolling for the Irish as they once again outscored Rush City. The score going into half-time was 33-2.
The Irish would need to continue to stay focused for the second half of the game to bring home the victory. They started off the second half fighting hard, increasing their lead by 36. The score was now 42-6. The Irish continued to work hard and play together as the game finished with a final score of 59-20.
“I think we have now started to play more as a team,” said Coach Tim Staloch.
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