In a rough-and-tumble game against visiting St. Clair on Tuesday in the little gym, the seventh-grade boys fell 23-18.
Miles Tomaszewski scored the game’s first basket. The Cyclones responded with a layup and a pair of free shots. Jack Anderson made the second of a pair of free shots, and Wyatt Krenik took a Zander Linder handoff in for a basket to deadlock the score 5-5.
But while the Clippers' attempts weren’t falling, the Cyclones went on a seven-point spurt. Carsyn Ryg broke up the run when he took an in-bounds toss in for a layup. The Cyclones closed the half with a basket for a 16-7 advantage.
But the Clippers had run of their own to start the second half. Ryg grabbed an offensive rebound and drove in for a basket. Luke Heldberg found the handle on a loose ball under the rim and put it up and in and then swished the ensuing foul shot. Jack Anderson stole and Tomaszewski put in a jumper on the possession to pull the Clippers within a basket, 16-14.
With a Garrett Heldberg bucket at the 7:15 mark, the score balanced at 16.
From there, the Cyclones put in a layup. Krenik took an Anderson inside toss up for two points, but that was it for the Clipper scoring. While the Clippers had a couple of opportunities on the foul line, the Cyclones made a layup and then a three to seal the win.
Tomaszewski, Ryg and Krenik each contributed four points in the effort. Luke Heldberg had three points. Garrett Heldberg had two points, and Anderson chipped in a free throw.
The seventh graders combined with the eighth graders to down Martin County West in Sherburn on Friday. They travel to Mankato to take on Loyola on Monday. On Thursday, they face Le Sueur-Henderson at Le Sueur High School.
Above: Wyatt Krenik fights for a rebound. Around him are Jackson Kopp, Owen Lloyd, Garrett Heldberg and Ethan Hoehn.
Carson Ryg moves in for a shot.
Luke Heldberg looks to fire off a shot under pressure.