It is often a tough task for 1A schools to compete versus 1AA teams. R-P’s boys bucked that trend, downing a couple AA TRC obstacles. Versus Chatfield (6-1), the Trojans (6-2) broke a 19-19 first half tie with a 15-4 run to end the half. They led 34-23 at intermission. The lead ballooned to 43-27 in the second. But Chatfield upped their pressure. R-P’s offense struggled (17 possessions, 3-12 FGs, nine TO’s). A prolonged 27-8 run was the result and, following a pair of Cole Johnson transition baskets, Chatfield led 54-51 with under four minutes left. But Dawson Bunke then nailed back-to-back threes. A couple over-the-press lobs to Justin Ruberg followed. The Trojans then hit 8 of 8 free throws. Ending the game scoring on its last eight possessions (18-1 run), R-P prevailed 69-55. Ruberg (22 pts, 10-13 FGs) and Malachi Bunke (18 pts, 4-9 threes, 6-11 FGs, 4 asts) led the way. D-Bunke (14 pts, 4-7 threes) hit three second half trifectas. Andrew Hoiness (9 pts, 4-4 FTs, 8 rebs, 5 asts) and Grady Hengel (4 pts, 4 rebs, 7 asts) helped. Isaac Stevens (13 pts, 6-9 FGs, 6 rebs), Johnson (10 pts), and Sam Backer (10 pts, 4 asts) led the Gophers. Connor Jax (9 pts, all in second half) and Drew Schindler (7 pts, 6 asts) helped. R-P hit 9 of 9 free throws, 10 of 19 threes (53%), and 25 of 41 field goals (61%). The Gophers hit 6 of 14 free throws (43%), 3 of 13 threes (23%) and 23 of 44 field goals (52%). Chatfield (3-2, 6-2) had its five-game win streak was snapped. R-P then trekked to the Target Center and took out Lewiston-Altura (9-1), which began the year 9-0. The final was 58-45. D-Bunke (21 pts, 5-12 threes, 4 rebs) led the way. Ruberg (13 pts, 5-7 FGs, 8 rebs, 4 asts) also hit double digits. M-Bunke (9 pts, 3-9 threes), Hengel (7 pts, 6 rebs, 6 asts), and Hoiness (6 pts, 5 rebs, 4 stls) helped. R-P hit 9 of 26 threes (35%). L-A was held to a season-low point-total, though they were allegedly without starting guard Collin Bonow. R-P (4-1, 8-2) won its sixth straight. The Trojans had lost four straight to L-A.
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