Basketball (1/5)

Basketball: Trojan Teams Battle Southland in Key Cross Section Games

Rushford-Peterson’s boys and girls basketball teams played a doubleheader at Southland. Though not pressing to Section seeding as much anymore (since the Trojans moved to Class AA), the game pitted four good teams against each other. The boys battle was a rematch of a 1A semifinal last year, won by R-P 67-61. They handed the Rebels (28-1) their only loss of the 2024-2025 season. The Trojans (2-1 in TRC, 4-2 overall) entered with losses to a reloaded AA powerhouse Caledonia and to #1 in AA Goodhue, each a defending section champ. Class A 9th-ranked Southland (4-0, 5-0) entered unblemished but untested, with every win by at least 35 points. The teams played a highly competitive game. R-P got out early, building a 20-9 lead and later in the half, again led by 11 at 28-17. But Southland lived at the free throw line in the first stanza, making 10 of 15 freebies (while the Trojans were just 1 of 4). The Rebels also hit four three-pointers in the stanza, and all came late. Each whittled R-P’s lead. Henry Wiste’s trifecta just before the buzzer cut the Trojan edge to just one at the half, 37-36. The Rebels continued their push to start the second half, hitting their first four shots. A 9-2 run ensued as Southland took its largest lead, 45-39. Via a zone with super-athletic junior Tate Goergen at the top of it, they tried to prevent the good shooting Trojans from hitting threes. R-P went inside, getting a good contribution from high-jumping 6’1” senior forward Landon Dahl. He scored 9 of his 11 points in the second half while also being active with offensive rebound tap-outs. A couple sequences midway through the second half were key for the Trojans. One was a three offensive rebound, four-point possession, capped by Will LaFleur three-pointer. It broke it 51-51 tie to put R-P ahead 55-51. And when the Trojans see one three go thru, they tend to hit them in clusters. A couple possessions later, Dahl battled hard against numbers to secure a defensive rebound. Back on the other end, R-P got a three from Cole Thompson to make it 61-53. LaFleur’s and Thompson’s were the bookends to R-P hitting threes on back-to-back-to-back possessions, and they hit six total leading into crunch time. Cayden Lea drilled three of them. His third make put R-P up 74-62. Southland battled to the end, also getting threes on back-to-back-to-back possessions to cut the lead to six at 77-71 with 0:52.7 left. LaFleur hit two free throws a few seconds later. They ensured a Trojan 80-71 win. Lea (21 pts, 5-7 threes, 7 rebs) and LaFleur (19 pts, 3-8 threes, 5 asts) were the big scorers, but R-P got its typical balance from Dahl (11 pts, 4-5 FGs, 7 rebs, 4 asts, 3 stls), Carson Johnson (9 pts, 4 asts, 4 stls), Jaxson Meldahl (8 pts), Thompson (6 pts), and Brode Vickerman (4 pts, 7 rebs). All but one Trojan to play connected on at least two made field goals. Southland relied heavily on juniors Wiste (game-high 33 pts, 5-7 threes, 5 rebs, 4 asts, 4 stls) and Goergen (22 pts, 7 rebs, 5 asts, 3 stls). Ethan Schammel added 9 (pts), 11 (rebs), and 3 (blks). They were the only three Rebels with multiple made baskets. Both teams shot well, R-P 29 of 57 (54%) including 12 of 27 from deep (44%), Southland 24 of 50 (48%) including 9 of 22 from deep (41%). The Trojans were plus-nine from distance in a nine-point win. It was the Trojans’ fourth game of scoring 80 or more points. They are 5-2 overall, 2-1 in the TRC. They trail Caledonia (3-0, 5-1) and Cotter (2-0, 8-1) in the TRC-East.

The girls then took the floor. R-P (2-1 TRC, 4-2 overall) had a tough night of shooting from deep, particularly in the second half, and that spelled their demise versus the once-beaten Rebels (4-1, 5-1). Southland mostly utilized a zone defense and the Trojans did not score against it consistently enough. They got off to a 15-10 start but trailed 36-30 at the half. Southland hit 15 of 26 shots (58%) in the stanza, R-P 10 of 28 (36%). In the second half, R-P went 12 consecutive trips without a point. They had a span of making just 1 of 17 threes. Kaia Loney was their best offensive threat inside with 12 of her 14 points in the stanza. The Rebels never pulled far from sight, but back-to-back buckets under two-minutes made their lead 58-51. They hit 6 of 6 free throws late, off-setting a couple made threes by Trojan Emily Helgemoe. Southland prevailed 64-57. The Rebels got great balance with five girls scoring nine points or more; Emma Lewison (14 pts, 7-9 FGs, 8 rebs), frosh guard Brynlee Koenigs (13 pts, 6-9 FGs, 16 rebs, 5 asts), Breeley Galle (14 pts), Shannon Keifer (9 pts), and Juliette Matheis (9 pts). Loney (14 pts, 8 rebs) and E-Helgemoe (10 pts, 3-8 threes) made double figures for R-P. Torryn Schneider added 8 (pts), 7 (rebs), 6 (asts), and 3 (stls). Alannah Skalet chipped in 9 points (3-12 threes). R-P finished the game 10 of 38 from deep (26%), 20 of 60 overall (33%) from the field. They were 3 of 20 from deep in the second half (15%). Southland went 5 of 10 from deep (26%) but 24 of 50 overall (48%). The Rebels also won at the throw line, 11 of 14 (79%) to R-P’s 7 of 12 (58%). The Trojans had less turnovers though, 13 to Southland’s 18. R-P (2-1, 4-3) trails Caledonia (5-0, 7-3) and Cotter (3-1, 5-4) in the TRC-East ahead of Fillmore Central (1-2, 5-2).

Basketball: Hurricanes Sweep Series with Knights

Four teams all looking for a win played as Houston and Kingsland did a boys and girls series the same night. The guys game in Spring Valley had each team looking for its first win. Houston (0-4, 0-8) got a big effort from 6’4” sophomore forward Atreyu Florin to aid in a victory that was tense at the end versus the Knights (0-5, 0-7). Marcus Teachout’s Hurricanes led most of the game and held a 56-44 lead with around four minutes left. But Richard Kemper’s Knights fought to the end. After five turnovers in the half up until that point, Houston had five in the final two minutes, as the Knights pressed and frantically tried to rally. A Kaaleem Reiland steal and layup cut the ‘Cane edge to 60-57 with 40-seconds left. The Knights then again got within three on a Reiland basket in the final 15-seconds, and got a quick steal, but a two-point shot did not fall. Hurricane Tilden Witt hit two free throws with 4.3 seconds left to ice a 64-59 Houston win. Florin put up a massive double-double, 22 points (9-16 FGs) and 24 rebounds. Kingsland did not have an answer for him on the boards. Witt (15 pts, 8-14 FTs, 7 rebounds), another sophomore, got most of his at the charity stripe. Chamberlain Bergeson (8 pts) and Hayden Ronnenberg (7 pts) aided the ‘Cane cause. Collin Stuart (19 pts) and Kaaleem R. (13 pts, 8 rebs, 6 asts) did the biggest work for the Knights. Donte Smith (11 pts) and Tate Rasmussen (8 pts, 5 rebs, 4 asts, 4 stls) helped. Houston won on the glass 58 to 39 including 20 to 13 on the offensive board leading to a 19 to 7 second-chance-points edge. The Hurricanes also won at the free throw line big, 19 of 37 (51%) to 8 of 16 (50%). But Kingsland hit nine threes to Houston’s four. Houston improved to 1-4 in the SEC, 1-8 overall. Kingsland fell to 0-6, 0-8.

The girls game saw the Hurricanes (2-2, 3-6) enter on a five-game losing streak while Kingsland (2-2, 2-7) came in with just two wins total. The contest was about ‘Cane senior guard Aubry Boldt and Knight turnovers. Boldt went for 36 points (3-5 threes, 14-23 FGs, 5-7 FTs) while adding 5 rebounds and 7 steals. The Knights struggled against Houston’s full-court and half-court pressure. They had 33 turnovers. The result was a controlling 54-33 Hurricane win. Jorja Meyer (12 pts, 13 rebs) added a double-double for Houston, as Meyer and Boldt had all but six ‘Cane points. Rylee Boldt scored two points but had four assists and five steals. The Hurricanes did welcome back senior guard Avery Kingsley, who played her first game since early last year per a knee injury. For Kingsland, seniors Macy Runck (13 pts, 6 rebs) and Hailee Warren (12 pts, 6 rebs) hit double figures. Jaelee Hagstrom added 7 (pts) and 8 (rebs). Houston improved to 3-2 in the SEC, 4-6 overall. Kingsland fell to 2-3, 2-8.

Basketball: Burros Sweep Series with W-K

Just before Christmas, Lanesboro’s basketball teams did a home and away non-conference series against TRC foe Wabasha-Kellogg. Both Burro teams grabbed wins. The boys game was the tight one. Breaking a 17-17 halftime tie, Lanesboro scored the first 10 points of the second half to lead 27-17. Their lead stayed at least three the rest of the way in a low-scoring 46-41 win. The Burros were 10 of 12 from the free throw line (83%), WK 4 of 10 (40%). Nick Taylor scored 20 points (7-8 FGs) with 8 rebounds to lead the way for Matt Asleson’s group. Mason Gilbertson (9 pts, 5 rebs) and Levi Rogers (7 pts) helped the Burros’ cause. The Burros (1-1, 5-2) and Schaeffer Academy (1-1, 1-5) trail Mabel-Canton (3-1, 5-1) and Spring Grove (3-1, 3-4) atop the SEC-East.

The girls game was all about Burro senior guard Jensyn Storhoff. She went for 30 points (13-20 FGs, 3-5 threes, 11 rebs, 4 asts, 4 stls) in a 54-33 win where the lead was 38-19 at the half. Emma Ruen added 7 points for Steve Storhoff’s group. The Burro girls (4-1, 6-3) are tied with Southland (4-1, 6-1) just behind Spring Grove/M-C (5-1, 8-2) atop the SEC.

Basketball: Gopher Teams Take 3 of 4 in Winona

Chatfield’s boys and girls team took on the Lewiston Auto Holiday basketball classic at Winona State. The squads won three of the four contests with the only loss coming to a ranked school. Kyle Tollefson’s girls got a couple much needed wins. Versus Arcadia, the Raiders led most of the contest including 34-27 at halftime. Later in the second half, the Gophers had an 8-0 run to annul a six-point Arcadia lead. Chatfield went ahead 52-50 with about five minutes to go. The lead was later propped to 58-54 via a Sedona Thompson lay-up. With 42-seconds left Arcadia hit a deep three to make it 58-57. Thompson was then fouled and hit the second of two free throws with 10-seconds left. Grace Schroeder then got a steal to seal the 59-57 win. Each team shot a pedestrian 37% overall but the Gophers were better from deep, hitting 5 of 15 threes (33%) to the Raiders 3 of 26 (12%). Amaya Harmening (13 pts, 5 stls), Thompson (13 pts), and Schroeder (12 pts, 7 rebs, 3 asts, 4 stls) led Chatfield. They then had an easier time with Winona High. Schroeder scored 23 first half points and Harmening scored 16 second half points to stoke a 65-39 win. The duo each topped 20 points, Schroeder going for a season-high 29 points (4-8 threes, 5 stls), Harmening 20 points (7-11 FGs, 8 rebs, 5 stls). Lexi Kivimagi added 7 (pts), 5 (rebs), and 4 (asts). The Gophers shot 40% overall including 48% from two-point range (19 of 40). They were plus-10 at the free throw line; 15 of 27 (56%) to 5 of 14 (36%). Chatfield heads to the New Year 1-4 in the TRC, 3-8 overall.

The boys first game saw Jeremy McBroom’s group build a 31-17 halftime lead on Richland Center. Nine total Gophers scored as they posted a 58-41 victory. Ross Stoehr (16 pts, 8-13 FGs) and Brandt McBroom (13 pts, 3-11 threes, 5 asts) scored in double figures. Brooks Lea (6 pts, 13 rebs), Carson Harstad (6 pts, 3-16 FGs, 7 stls), and Kash McBroom (4 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asts) also helped the cause. The Gophers got the 17-point win despite shooting 3 of 28 from deep (11%). B-McBroom had their only three makes. They then had things tougher with #10 in Class AA Zumbrota-Mazeppa, a 1AA semifinalist a year ago. Deep shooting was again a struggle, as the Gophers were 4 of 18 from distance (22%). Each team had nine guys score. Chatfield trailed 30-27 at the half, but fell 64-52. Z-M was 12 of 14 from the free throw line in the second half, Chatfield 7 of 11. The Cougars also hit four second half threes, Chatfield two. Stoehr (21 pts, 7-13 FGs, 5-6 FTs, 10 rebs) paced the Gophers. Ryan Tighe added 10 points (3-3 FGs, 2-2 FTs). They were the only two Chatfield players to score more than six. Grady Streit (14 pts), Karsten Miller (13 pts), and Aaron Miller (10 pts) hit double figures for Z-M. Streit had three of Z-M’s second half deep balls. The Cougars (5-1) are one of six one loss teams in Section 1AA alongside Goodhue (7-1), Caledonia (5-1), Cannon Falls (6-1), Triton (5-1), and Cotter/Hope Lutheran (8-1). Chatfield fell to 1-2 in the TRC, 3-5 overall.

Southeast Conference Boys Basketball (12/22)

Houston 59, Lyle/Pacelli 79 (H: Hector Steinfeldt 14 pts; Atreyu Florin 14 pts, 9 rebs; Axel Vix 13 pts; Tilden Witt 8 pts, 5 rebs)

Non-Conference Boys Basketball (12/22 – 12/27)

Fillmore Central 51, Hayfield 78 (FC: Clayton Schoepski 14 pts; Rylan Ristau 13 pts; Bridon Bahl 9 pts, 4 stls. FC fell behind 36-8 and could not recover. Hayfield hit 16 of 30 threes (53%), FC 4 of 18 (22%). Falcons are 0-1 in the TRC, 2-5 overall)

Blooming Prairie 96, Kingsland 39 (K: C. Stuart 17 pts; K. Reiland 12 pts. BP improved to 8-0)

Triton 76, Chatfield 57 (C: Brandt McBroom 18 pts (3-8 threes), 5 asts; Carson Harstad 15 pts (3-7 threes), 7 rebs; Ross Stoehr 11 pts (5-6 FTs), 7 rebs; Brooks Lea 7 pts, 8 rebs. Chatfield trailed 35-25 at halftime but led 44-40 in the second half. Behind Pierce Petersohn’s 32 points, 21-rebound effort, the Cobras got the win. They improved to 6-1. Harstad, a 6’3” junior guard, scored his 1,000th career point. Dad Andy is a 1,000-point scorer for Fillmore Central)

Three Rivers Conference Girls Basketball (12/22)

Fillmore Central 48, Dover-Eyota 57 (FC: Hannah Vaalemoen 16 pts, 5 stls; Kyla Hellickson 13 pts, 7 rebs; Sophia Bronner 9 pts, 12 rebs. FC led 25-24 at the half and 28-25 in the second half before D-E had a prolonged 25-5 run to lead 50-34. D-E had 34 points in the paint to FC’s 14. The Falcons are 1-2 in the TRC, 5-2 overall)

Non-Conference Girls Basketball (12/22 – 12/27)

St. Charles 32, Spring Grove/Mabel-Canton 69 (SG/M-C: S. Konkel 15 pts, 10 asts; Kylie Hammel 14 pts, 9 rebs, 3 asts, 3 stls; Kinley Soiney 12 pts, 5 rebs; Carlie Halverson 6 pts, 6 rebs. The Lions had 43 rebounds, the Saints only 23. SG/M-C shot 43%, St. Charles 20%. The Lions are 5-1 in the SEC, 8-2 overall)

Chatfield 53, Triton 65 (C: Sedona Thompson 13 pts, 5 rebs, 6 stls; Amaya Harmening 11 pts, 12 rebs; Grace Schroeder 10 pts, 4 asts, 5 stls; Lexi Kivimagi 9 pts. Chatfield trailed 38-22 at halftime)

#6 in AA Caledonia 54, Minnehaha Academy 55 (C: A. Klug 25 pts (4-12 threes), 7 stls; Nicole Banse 9 pts, 7 rebs, 3 asts, 3 stls; Kensey King 5 pts, 15 rebs; Ashlyn Reinhart 4 pts, 5 rebs, 6 stls. In a rematch of a state quarterfinal last year, the contest was a feisty and physical defensive battle. MHA led by as many as six in the first half (28-22), Caledonia by as many as four (20-16). MHA led by as many as eight (32-24) early in the second half and seven (52-45) with 3:36 to go. Caledonia scored 9 of the next 10 points to lead 54-53 with just over a minute left. Klug hit a three to make it 53-52, Peyten Felten a two to give the Warriors the lead 54-53. Danasia Anderson scored a layup to put the Red Hawks up 55-54 with 42-seconds left. Their defense then forced a Warrior timeout with three on the shot clock, and Caldonia then turned it over in the final seconds. Red Hawk Briana Foster led all scorers with 21 points including four threes. The teams each had 24 turnovers, but the Warriors had 17 in the second half while MHA had 15 in the first half. The Red Hawks were 7 of 21 (33%) from the line, Caledonia 6 of 10 (60%))

#4 in D-III La Crosse-Aquinas 57, #6 in AA Caledonia 41 (C: N. Banse 17 pts (three threes); A. Klug 11 pts. Aquinas led 35-18 at the half. Senior guard Samantha Davis went for 26 points and 13 rebounds to lead the BluGolds. Caledonia was just 7 of 25 at the free throw line. Aquinas improved to 8-1)