Alden-Conger came to town and spoiled the season opener for the eighth-grade boys with a 39-21 triumph.
Sam Ternes (above) sunk a pair of freebies for the game’s first basket, but, taking advantage of steals and rebounds, the Knights pounded the ball inside for the next 11 before Garrett Heldberg hit both halves of a pair of foul shots to break the run.
Later, Braeden Smith stole and sprinted from shore to shore for a layup and then drove the baseline for another basket, but Alden-Conger still led 16-8. Heldberg pulled down an O rebound and scored, but the Knights posted the last eight points of the half to lead 25-10 at the break.
Ternes and Smith scored early in the second half, but the Knight responded with a three. Later in the half, Ternes rebounded and scored and then hit a jumper, but the Knights plopped in another three to go up 37-18.
Caleb Connor put in a jump shot down the stretch and hit a free shot for the game’s last point.
Ternes led the effort with eight points. Smith had six points. Connor and Heldberg each added three points.
Coached by Nancy Heldberg and Kate Anderson, the eighth-grade boys will look for their first win Tuesday when they take on host Lake Crystal.
Caleb Connor releases a contested pass.
Braeden Smith drives toward the hoop.
Garrett Heldberg slides down the baseline.