R-T-R showdown goes to Vikings

In a matchup between two of the top teams in the state, the No. 1-ranked Minneota Vikings boys basketball team traveled to Tyler Tuesday night to battle the RTR Knights (ranked No. 4) in front of a standing room only crowd. 
The three meetings between these two powers last year were each memorable.  Close regular season battles were each decided with the home team coming out victorious.  The third and final matchup occurred during the section championship game, with the Knights escaping that game with a two point victory and a trip to State.
But this time, Minneota got, and kept the upper hand, winning 74-53.
Both teams came into this early season matchup looking to exact a measure of revenge on their opponents. 
The Vikings looking to validate their No. 1 state ranking and avenge the narrow loss in last year’s section title tilt. 
The Knights were also looking for payback.  A chance to beat the only team to give them a loss during their otherwise perfect state championship season, as well as a chance to rebound after a surprise loss to the Murray County Central Rebels last week.
The game lost some of its appeal prior to tip-off, when it was determined that Carter Hansen, one of the twin brothers that make up the dynamic backcourt of the Knight attack, would miss the game because of an injury.  However, the crowd still anticipated an even battle.
RTR, took the early lead behind the hot hands of Cooper Hanson and Jared Hauswedell.  The two seniors scored the Knight’s first 12 points leading them to a quick 12-7 advantage.  The Vikings quickly settled down before scoring the next nine points to take a 16-7 lead. 
Minneota’ss’ surge continued as the result of some hot shooting by Nolan Boerboom and Thomas Hennen, and they were able to end the first half with a 31-20 lead.
Minneota really put the throttle down coming out of half time. 
Pressure defense and smooth shooting turned an 11 point halftime lead into the makings of a rout, as the Vikings jumped out to a 44-22 lead just over two minutes into the second half.
After Minneota eventually extended their lead to 57-29, the Knights mounted one more furious comeback attempt. 
Senior guard Brett Kelley knocked down four-three pointers to bring the Knights back to within 15.  But it was too little, too late.
The Vikings were led by Thomas Hennen, as the Minneota Senior led all players with 20 points to go along with 11 rebounds and five assists.  Nolan Boerboom and Jacob Hennen each contributed 17 points, and Logan Sussner chipped in 11.  Alex Saltzer added four points, Jared Josephson three, and Riley Buysse two points in the win. 
The Knights were led by Cooper Hansen’s 17 points.  Kelley added 12 and Hauswedell chipped in 10 to round out the double figure scorers on the home team.
Minneota returns to action on the road Thursday night in Canby, and will host the Annual Candy Cane Classic holiday tournament in Minneota Friday and Saturday.

MINNEOTA (2’s, 3’s, FT, F, TP) Nolan Boerboom 2 4 1-2 0 17; Riley Buysse 1 0 0-0 1 2; Jacob Hennen 6 1 2-2 2 17; Thomas Hennen 4 3 3-3 2 20; Jared Josephson 1 0 1-3 2 3; Mitchell Rost 0 0 0-0 2 0; Alex Saltzer 2 0 0-0 2 2; Logan Sussner 4 0 3-4 2 11. Totals 20 8 10-14 13 74.
RTR (2’s, 3’s, FT, F, TP) Tucker Baune 1 0 0-0 2 2; Cooper Hansen 3 2 5-7 0 17; Jared Hauswedell 5 0 0-2 3 10; 0 1 0-1 3 3; Brett Kelly 0 4 0-0 3 12; Jack Kerr 2 0 0-0 3 4; Myles Williams 0 0 2-2 2 2. Totals 11 8 7-12 16 53.
Score by Halves
Minneota                31    43     —    74
RTR                        20    33     —    53
Statistics:
SHOOTING: Minneota (2’s 20 of 39 for 51 percent; 3’s 8 of 18 for 44 percent; overall 28 of 57 for 49 percent); RTR (2’s 11 of 19 for 60 percent; 3’s 4  of 27 for 30 percent; overall 19 of 46 for 41 percent).
FREE THROWS: Minneota 10 of 14 for 71 percent; RTR 7 of 12 for 58 percent.
REBOUNDS: Minneota 26 (T. Hennen 11; Sussner 7, Josephson, Boerboom 2 each, Rost, Saltzer 1 each); RTR 26.
STEALS: Minneota 15 (T. Hennen 5, J. Hennen 3; Boerboom, Saltzer 2 each, Sussner 1); RTR 3.
ASSISTS: Minneota 10 (Sussner 6, J. Hennen 2, T. Hennen, Saltzer 1); RTR 6.
BLOCKS: Minneota 3 (T. Hennen, J. Hennen, Sussner 1 each); RTR 1.