REBELS OUTPLAYED BY KNIGHTS

In the rematch of a lopsided affair in Slayton, the February 20 game had many similarities. A tough match-up for the Rebels on Senior night for RTR.

The Rebels would strike first 8 seconds into the game with a Carter Lewis attack and finish in the paint. But RTR would shoot a long three, miss but gather the offensive rebound and put it back up. This would be a common theme on this night. The Rebels would attack and miss a contested lay-up before the Knights would score on the easy two. A wing entry to the opposite side block caught the Rebels defense napping.

Bryce Hoekman would answer back with a smooth 10 foot jumper to tie the game before the Knights would attack and get to the paint with ease and score again. But Hoekman would answer right back with another turnaround jump shot. 6-6 at the 15:30 mark.

The Rebels would lose a shooter in the corner on their next possession and give up the drive and kick three, to go down three. MCC would again attack the basket and force up a contested lay-up that didn’t draw any iron, but then would get a stop on defense. On their next possession a cardinal sin in basketball was committed, as a telegraphed slot to slot pass was made, stolen, and the easy lay-up on the other end ensued.

Aidan Dierks would attack and score on the Rebels next possession, making the score 11-8 RTR with 14 minutes remaining in the half. MCC would turn it over right after getting the stop on the defensive end, which turned into a miscommunication on defense and the wide open three for RTR. This was the start of a nice run for the Knights. By the 9 minute mark the score was 28-10 RTR and the high shooting percentage continued, going up 3010 before Hudson Schyrvers drilled the corner three, but RTR answered right back with an easy post entry from the high post the block for the uncontested lay-in.

A turnover for the Rebels was followed up by an offensive rethe bound for the Knights, which led to two free throws. They made the first and missed the second, but snagged another offensive rebound on the miss, as their relentless effort on the glass continued.

RTR would coast into halftime with the 45-24 lead. The second half would start off with a MCC turnover as an errant pass would sail out of bounds untouched and RTR would earn another offensive rebound on their next possession which led to two foul shots.

MCC would not get a shot on their first possession and RTR, counting the two free throws, would get four shots. Kind of how the night went for the Rebels.

The Rebels would continue to attack the basket and end most possessions with shots, as the team only committed 12 turnovers on the night. But shots seemed rushed, some off balanced, but the issue was on the other end of the court. Finishing possessions on defense with a rebound. MCC gave up 17 offensive rebounds and was out-rebounded by 25 overall. A tough differential to compete with.

RTR continued their strong play throughout the second half and won on their Senior night 84-53.

Leading Scorers: Bryce Hoekman & Ross Engelkes with 10 Hudson Schryvers with 9, Aidan Dierks with 8, Carter Lewis with 7 Leading Rebounders: Bryce Hoekman with 7 Leading Assists: Gavin Gillette with 3 Leading Steals: Gavin Gillette with 2 Leading Blocks: Bryce Hoekman with 3