Blue Jay Boys Post Win Over Royals
While the Stanley Blue Jays boys’ basketball team had two games on their schedule last week, the game against Rugby on Tuesday, Feb. 17 was postponed due to weather. That game has been rescheduled for Monday, Mar. 2.
The Blue Jays hosted South Prairie on Friday, Feb. 20. This game would prove to be a battle between the two teams. Stanley held a four point lead at the half, but South Prairie had cut it to one at the end of the third quarter. The Blue Jays outscored the Royals by three in the fourth to take the 49 to 45 victory.
Head coach Kory Anderson said, “We were very pleased with the boys’ efforts versus South Prairie. We felt that each individual that stepped on the court did something well for us and helped us secure the win. Both teams got off to a slow start but picked it up in the second half. Tyke Barstad had 2 big possessions for us in the third quarter, hitting two floaters in transition. Ben played a huge role for us securing rebounds and having balanced scoring throughout the game. Ben was able to draw multiple defenders and did a good job kicking the ball out to the shooters. Austin played a well-balanced game, as he was aggressive attacking the rim but also hit two big threes for us that lead to a lot of emotion for the team. Overall, our defense played well and we are hoping to build off of it!”
As a team, Stanley made 13 of their 29 two point and 5 of their 13 three point attempts. They converted 8 of their 13 free throw attempts. South Prairie made 14 of their 35 two point, 1 of their 12 three point, and 14 of their 19 free throw attempts.
The Blue Jays had 5 offensive and 19 defensive rebounds. They had 13 assists, 8 steals and 2 blocks. They committed 17 turnovers. The Royals had 14 offensive and 22 defensive rebounds, 11 assists, 9 steals, and committed 18 turnovers.
Austin Kanenwisher and Ben Hynek led the team with 15 points each, followed by Jevon Johnson with 10, Ashton Peterson with 5 and Tyke Barstad with 4.
Ben Hynek had 10 rebounds, followed by Jevon Johnson with 4, Ashton Peterson with 3, Austin Kanenwisher with 2, and Tyke Barstad, Landon Goettle and Larson Fjeldahl with 1 each.
Ashton Peterson had 4 assists, followed by Austin Kanenwisher and Jevon Johnson with 3 each, and Landon Hunting, Ben Hynek and Larson Fjeldahl with 1 each.
Austin Kanenwisher, Ashton Peterson and Ben Hynek each had 2 steals, followed by Larson Fjeldahl and Jevon Johnson with 1 each.
Austin Kanenwisher and Ben Hynek each had 1 block.
Stanley 9 10 14 16 - 49
South Prairie 7 8 17 13 - 45
Up Next: The Blue Jays will host DLB on Friday, Feb. 27 and then travel to Rugby on Monday, Mar. 2 to wrap up regular season play. The region tournament is set for March 9 through 12 at the Minot State University Dome.
Pictured, Stanley’s Ben Hynek looks for his shot over the Royal defense. (Photo courtesy of Al Christianson)