By Brenda Erdahl
Sports Editor
The Maple Lake boys basketball team is 0-7 after recent losses.
On Tuesday, Jan. 2, the Irish traveled to Braham and fell 79-65. On Thursday, Jan. 4, the Irish faced Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City and fell 87-53.
Braham
“We came ready to play and were down just three at the half,” Maple Lake Head Coach Bryan Schleif said. “We ran into early fall trouble that kept us from pulling ahead. Statistically as a team we played our best game in several years.”
The Irish shot a season high 35% from 3-point range, were 90% from the free throw line and they out-rebounded Braham on both ends of the court.
“If we were able to reduce our turnovers the outcome would have been different,” Coach Schleif said.
Pablo Manzenedo had an “amazing game.” He scored 33 points, had 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.
A-C-GC
The Irish played a tough athletic team when they traveled to Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, but being on the road for four straight games has played its toll. The Irish played fairly well through most of the first half, Coach Schleif said, but “it’s always tough playing at their place.”
The Irish are looking forward to some home games this week and they expect to be competitive.
“The guys are starting to realize what they are capable of and its showing in practice each day. Sometimes I have to remind them we are young team but we they are showing up and competing each night,” Schleif said.
Manzenedo led scoring for the Irish with 20 points.
Up next
The Irish traveled to Royalton on Tuesday, Jan. 9. Results were not available at press time. On Thursday, Jan. 11 they host Kimball at 7 p.m. On Tuesday, Jan. 16 the Irish host Eagle Ridge Academy at 7 p.m.
Pablo Manzenedo scored 33 points against Kimball.
