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Denali Blackwell celebrates a win over McGregor Mercs Photos courtesy of Michael McHugh
Great outside shooting and pressure from a full-court press went a long way in securing the CCHS boys’ first win of the season as the boys’ basketball team beat the McGregor Mercs 48-42 at home last Friday, January 13.
In all, the boys made ten three-point baskets.
Sophomore guard Rohan Rude led the way with a team-high 19 points, 15 points coming from behind the three-point line. Rohan shot 50 percent, making seven of fourteen shots from the field. He also ended his night with five rebounds and four steals.
Denali Blackwell, a sophomore guard, scored eight points, pulled down eight rebounds, and had three assists and one steal.
Senior guard Derek Smith made six points, both baskets three-pointers. Derek finished with seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Amos Falter had five points, two rebounds, one assist, and two steals in the contest.
Jordan Backstrom finished with four points, eight rebounds, and one steal.
Junior forward Ryan Smith only had one point, but he came up big on the boards, pulling down a team-leading eleven rebounds. He also had one blocked shot and one steal.
Rohan Rude (23) scores 19 vs McGregor Mercs.
Junior center/forward Recko Helmerson-Skildum scored three points, grabbed three rebounds, had two blocks and one steal. Binesii Aubid, a junior guard/forward, scored two points; junior forward Ryan Smith had one point, and sophomore guard/forward Javantee Love saw limited action but didn’t score.
All of the nine kids available to play saw action.
Commenting on the win, Viking Head Coach Keaton Riley had this to say, “McGregor was a great win for this team, and it only proved the upward trajectory for this program. Rohan Rude had a great game with his 19 but he also pitched in a bunch of deflections and steals. Rebounding was huge in this one, and our undersized lineup out rebounded them by quite a bit, including 11 rebounds (6 offensive by Junior, Ryan Smith). Our full court press also gave McGregor fits at times. One stat I like to monitor when pressing is deflections, in which we had an incredible 26. Our defense and rebounding have really improved a lot. One thing is certain with this team, and it’s something that I love: these boys give me effort and aggressiveness all game, no matter the opponent, no matter the score.”
Jordan Backstrom (12) Amos Falter with the ball and Javante Love (10) race down for a fast break score vs McGregor.
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