Boys win streak reaches 11 games

The very next game after Thomas Hennen became a member of the 1,000-point club, he tossed in 32 points to lead Minneota over Renville Co. West, 93-78.

That was 10 wins in a row.

On Tuesday, the Vikings defeated Central Minnesota Christian, 72-43. That was 11 wins in a row. After Minneota sank 40 points in the first half — they found the Jaguars of Renville County West were still on their tail, 40-37.

The Jaguars inside game manned by Nathan Serbus was giving them fits — to the tune of 28 points. And outside, a three-point battle was brewing.

Both teams tossed in 10, three-pointers — Minneota led by the Hennen brothers, Thomas and Jacob with all 10.

And RCW by Riley Ashburn’s six and three by Justin Schrupp. The Vikings pulled out to a 20-point lead at 80-60.

Although the Jaguars were able to close the gap with their inside-outside game, Minneota held onto the lead.

The Hennens, with Jacob’s 27 points — scored 59 combined points. Cousin Isaac pounded in another 15 and Logan Sussner 13 from inside.

“They’re gamers and they feed off each other,” Coach Busselman said about the Hennen brothers, Thomas and Jacob. RCW had the rebounding edge, 29-23.

There weren’t as many rebounds as normal because RCW had the “hot” hands — with Minneota shooting just 42 percent overall and RCW 62 percent.

Minneota had a 14-2 lead at the start — but RCW banged away from long range and eventually tied it up at 35 before the Vikings took the three-point halftime lead.

Coach Busselman like the fact RCW gave them a game. “You like to be tested,” he said. WHAT A difference a year makes. One year ago Central Minnesota Christian was the toast of the town and against Minneota warmed up before earning a berth in the state tournament.

But the Bluejays’ “big boys” are gone and Tuesday night the Vikings played rough-house on the Bluejays, 72-43.

Minneota 72, CMC 43

“Yes, we’re 11-0 but we haven’t played our best yet,” said Coach Dave Busselman after his squad continued their win streak with a 72-43 win over Central Minnesota Christian Tuesday night.

The Vikings took a 10-0 lead — but the Bluejays seemed unbothered by the deficit and they came roaring back — using the three-pointer as their weapon.

Thomas Hennen led the team early, sinking two-three-pointers and Jacob Hennen sank two more.

But this clearly was Logan Sussner’s game as he sank 20 points with 12 rebounds, including a salty 10 of 12 from the free throw line for his double-double.

“He covers the area under the basket and that’s pretty critical,” said Coach Busselman.

Sussner gives away some height to most teams — “but never lacks in tenacity,” says his coach.

Minneota again has balanced scoring with four players in double figures: Sussner with 20; Thomas Hennen with 18; Jacob Hennen with 15 and Nolan Boerboom with 10.

Busselman’s “run and run” team didn’t commit many turnovers, but does need to control their speed more.

“Teams that live by the speed, die by the speed,” he said.