Trojans fall prey to Falcons in 1AAA opener
New Prague High School's boys basketball team ended its season Wednesday, March 2, in Faribault in a game that was typical of many during the 2004-05 season.
The Trojans looked good in the first half, leading 29-28 at halftime, but mistakes and cold shooting plagued the squad in the second half as the host Falcons claimed a 66-45 win in the Section 1AAA quarterfinals.
The game was tight throughout the first half, but midway through the second quarter the Trojans went on a run that gave them a six-point lead.
However, the final minute of the half provided a preview of things to come. Facing a strong full-court press, the Trojans threw the ball away at least four times and missed a pair of free throws.
Faribault came out in the second half using the same kind of pressure, and the Trojans had problems handling it, with a number of turnovers and seven missed free throws giving the Falcons the opportunity to take charge. Faribault also had some trouble shooting, but by the end of the third quarter had found their offensive groove and began to open up the lead.
New Prague's cold shooting extended into the field as well, with no player making more than one field goal in the second half.
Other first round games in Section 1AAA had Winona defeating Waseca 60-45, Albert Lea beating Northfield 60-53 and Red Wing beating Austin 64-44.
Second round games on Saturday had Faribault beating Winona 58-48 and Albert Lea beating Red Wing 52-44. That ends Red Wing’s run of six straight section titles.
Faribault and Albert Lea will meet at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 11, for the Section 1AAA championship. The winner will play in the StateClass AAA tournament against the Section 5AAA champions at noon Wednesday, March 16.
New Prague 16 13 5 11 — 45
Faribault 17 11 15 23 — 66
Mar. 2, at Faribault
New Prague (45) Kubes 11, Hafermann 11, Gill 5, Johnson 4, Giesen 2, Sirek 1, Haeg 0, Gravon 3, Tisdel 2, C. Hoemke 0, Oistad 2, O’Neill 4, M. Hoemke 0, Kneip 0
Faribault (66) Knoff 4, Anderson 5, Sommers 23, Williams 6, Ward 15, Schrot 5, Tousignant 0, Gora 4, Gustafson 2, Hansen 2, Braun 0, Ressler 0, Reher 0
Fouls: NP 18, Fbo 14; Fouled out: none; Three point goals: NP 3 (Kubes 2, Gravon), Fbo 4 (Schrot, Anderson, Sommers 2)
