
By Brenda Erdahl
Sports Editor
The Irish had good looks at the basketball hoop, but just couldn’t capitalize in a 86-44 loss to Lake International Language Academy.
The Maple Lake boys traveled to Forest Lake on Tuesday, Jan. 30 to take on the team Coach Bryan Schleif called a “very solid, athletic team that moves the ball well.”
“We were able to beat their press, just, however, we just couldn’t finish easy layups at the rim. We left at least 15 points off the board on layups and put backs,” Schleif said.
The Irish, who continue to play without Pablo Manzanedo, shot a season low 22 percent from the field.
Bowen Walton and Nick Lind led scoring for the Irish with 18 and 13 points, respectively. Lind also had 11 rebounds.
“Bowen and Nick helped us scoring. I thought Nick played aggressive and was able to finish at the rim and Bowen scored 18 for us,” Schleif said.
The Irish went on the road again Thursday, Feb. 1 to Holdingford where they put up a good fight and played the Huskers to a competitive, 91-61 loss. Statistically, it was the Irish’s best shooting game of the year at 43.4% including 44.4% from behind the arc.
“We came out great and we were within six to eight points through most of the first half,” Schleif said. “Holdingford had a nice run to end the first half going up 50-33. Wyatt had two threes early that helped us stay within reach. Bowen and Wyatt (Breimon) played really well together tonight and have been developing good chemistry. It’s been fun watching this sophomore class improve each week.”
The Irish endured a setback when Wyatt suffered an injury and was sidelined for a portion of the game. Fortunately, he was able to return to the court later that night, Schleif said.
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