By Brenda Erdahl
Sports Editor
The Maple Lake boys basketball team struggled against some of the top teams in the Central Minnesota Conference last week and early this week.
EV-W 87, Maple Lake 32
On Tuesday, Feb. 20, the Irish traveled to Eden Valley-Watkins to face the team with a perennial spot atop the CMC conference. The 22-4 Eagles have a solid senior lead squad top to bottom, and the Irish knew going in it was going to be a tall order to defeat them on their home turf.
EV-W held a dominating 61-22 lead by the break, but eventually the Irish calmed down and started to run their offense, Head Coach Bryan Schleif said. The second half was much closer – MLHS 10, EV-W 26.
“We were without Ian tonight and our bench was pretty short. Pablo (Manzanedo) had a nice game (13 points and five rebounds) but we couldn’t stay with them,” Schleif said.
B-B-E 81, Maple Lake 47
The Irish started strong and were competitive through much of the first half. With eight minutes left before the break, the Irish were within five points (25-10).
“We definitely were playing some of our best basketball in stretches. We were without Ian again tonight and when you are thin on the bench fouls and fatigue catch up,” Coach Schleif said.
The Irish missed a couple of contested layups in a stretch that could have given them the lead but led to three possessions resulting in turnovers and the Jaguars quickly capitalized, extending their lead to 35-17.
“Our guys played hard tonight but turnovers and fatigue set it. Pablo and Bowen (Walton) led us offensively. Wyatt continues to work hard inside giving us our best presence under the basket. Nick (Lind) has also been playing great over the last two weeks,” Coach Schleif said.
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