The night started with the girls game, where the Lions looked to extend their winning ways, having won 4 out of their last 5 games. Going into the game, coach knew Molly Chitty was going to be a conflict of interest.

This proved to be the case, as most misses by the Trojans were rebounded by her and put up for easy scores. She ended the night with 14 points, all on the post. Taking advantage of the two defenders on the post was Karsyn Schlensener, who also scored 14 points on the night.

It was a back and forth game all night, with 1 point lead changes happening almost every time down the court. It came down to Minneapolis being 4 points down with 1:20 left on the clock. Kersti Nelson scored a season high 18 points on the night, but one would argue none of them bigger than the 3 pointer she knocked down with a minute remaining to pull her team within 1. Zoie Shupe added to the madness by converting a floater down the middle with 15 seconds left on the clock. Lions took a 1 point lead.

Schlesener was fouled under the basket with 3 seconds on the clock, and converted both free throws to eventually win the game for her team.

FINAL SCORE: 51-50, Minneapolis falls by one at home to Southeast of Saline.

https://soundcloud.com/minneapolis-lions/minneapolis-girls-2-8-19

The boys game was another close. Seth Ecklund buried four 3’s in the first half to account for almost half of his teams points. The team totaled for six 3 pointers in the first half, and scored 25 points. It was a very balanced scoring attack, and a good showing from the free throw line by the Lions in the first half. The boys went a scorching 12/12 from the line in the second quarter, en route to scoring 16 points and going into the locker room with the down 2. Halftime score 25-23, Minneapolis trails Southeast of Saline by 2.

The Lions came out of the locker room slightly sluggish, but Senior Kaden McCullick managed to hold them in the game. He put up 7 of the teams 12 in the 3rd quarter, and Minneapolis went into the final stanza leading by 1 after holding the Trojans to only 9 points in the third.

Solid defense and offense meant the Lions were in peak shape to close out this ball game right. Minneapolis won the fourth quarter 13-11, and the game 48-45.

Scoring leaders for Minneapolis: Kaden McCullick with 15, and Kaden Griffin with 12.

Both teams are back in action next Tuesday at Republic County.

https://soundcloud.com/minneapolis-lions/minneapolis-boys-2-8-19