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Rohan Rude (10th) scores 22 vs McGregor Mercs 13 Jan 2023
The Cook County boys’ basketball season came to an end last Monday when they fell to Hill City 60-49.
With the loss, the Vikings ended with a 3-17 mark.
The game was a rematch of an earlier contest where the Vikings stayed close to the Hornets but fell 71-63.
At halftime, the Vikings led the Hornets 30-23, and for much of what would in the past have been the third period, the Vikings led by eight, but then Hill City went on a run and never looked back, outscoring the Vikings 37-19 in the second half.
Once again Denali Blackwell led the team in scoring with 25 points. Denali also had five rebounds, three assists and five steals. Derek Smith ended his night with nine points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals. Rohan Rude finished with eight points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jordan Backstrom had three points, nine rebounds, two assists, and four steals. Recko Helmerson-Skildum ended with two points, six rebounds and Cade Smith had two points, eight rebounds and one assist.
Denali Blackwell (10th) and Rohan Rude (10th) combine for 30 points in Vikings win over McGregor 48-42 13 Jan 2023
“The Hill City game was frustrating and heartbreaking. We went into the half with a lead and were up by eight at one point in the second half. Then, Hill City went on a run, and we could not answer offensively. Offensive will be a point of emphasis this offseason; we cannot have scoring draughts like we did in this game.
When asked about the game, Viking Head Coach Riley Keaton said, “It was a frustrating year with win/loss results, but a year of growth. Last year we only competed in a handful of games; this year, we were in almost all the games. Our boys never quit, not in any game, and that is a big change from years past. Also, last year we scored over 50 points in one game; this year, we did 11 times! I have some new things in store this spring and summer that should help our program next season. Plus, as of now, we have three boys playing AAU basketball this spring! So going forward, we only need to replace 7.0 points per game; it will be exciting to see who steps up with all the competition for playing time.”
Speaking about his seniors, Coach Keaton said, “Derek Smith, John Pierre, and Payton Morrison are loved by everyone in this program, and they will be missed. Cook County Basketball is forever thankful for their hard work, determination, teamwork, and sacrifice.”
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