By Brenda Erdahl
Sports Editor
The Irish boys basketball team traveled to Benson for a Holiday Tournament last weekend. On Friday, Dec. 15 the Irish faced a senior led Lac Qui Parle and fell 87-36.
The next day, Saturday, Dec. 16, the Irish played what Coach Bryan Schleif felt was their best game of the season despite a 75-58 loss.
Vs. Lac Qui Parle
The Irish struggled to get their shots to fall against a veteran squad that outsized them. By the break, Maple Lake was down 23-54. Lac Qui Parle widened the gap in the second half by outscoring the Irish 33-13.
Ethan Paumen led scoring for the Irish with eight points.
Vs. Benson
Not only was Saturday’s game against Benson the best Coach Schleif has seen yet this season, the Irish scored the most points since the 2019-2020 basketball season. The Irish were down to start but worked back to a 21-17 deficit. By the second half, they were matching shots and cutting into Benson’s lead.
“We tiered them out, pushing the pace, but just couldn’t get over the top,” Coach Schleif said. “The guys saw today what they are capable of doing and we are starting to see chemistry as a unit.”
The Irish also hit a season high, 11 3-pointers.
“We are looking forward to our game at LPGE next Thursday who lost to Benson in the tournament 84-75,” Coach Schleif said.
Bowen Walton led scoring with 23 points including three, three pointers. Pablo Manzendo put up 14 points and four, three pointers.
Up next
On Thursday, Dec. 21, the Irish travel to Long Prairie-Grey Eagle for a 7 p.m. game.
Bowen Walton, left and Joseph Warner try to stop a Husker from scoring. The Irish fell to Holdingford 78-42 on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at home.