Sports

St. Michael-Albertville Stays on Top With Rout over Royals

The Knights pummeled Rogers on their home floor to stay even with Buffalo atop the Mississippi 8 Conference.

It was youth night at the arena Thursday, and the boys’ basketball team wanted to make sure the dozens of young players in attendance had more than an autograph after the game to go home talking about.

“I think our guys were pretty pumped,” said head coach Tim Anfenson. “The crowd certainly had a lot of energy.”

So did the Knights, who bolted out to a 15-point halftime lead over Rogers, and never looked back.

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It was a chance for the 2012 team to exact a bit of revenge. The Knights lost twice in close games to Rogers last year, costing them the conference championship.

Now, STMA (11-5, 4-1 M8) controls its own destiny, needing a win over Buffalo to break the tie (later next month). The Bison (9-6, 4-1) have a loss to Big Lake on their record.

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“There’s still a long way to go, and as a coach you hope you’re going to continue to get better. But the guys are working hard in practice, and it came together tonight. It was by far our most complete game, which was fun to see.”

Michael Weise led the way with 25 points, and Michael Mooney added 18.

Stepping up for the Knights was No. 50 Brian Ferry, who had 11 points and eight rebounds.

“Herb (Tepeh) went out early in the first half with two fouls, and Brian was ready to go. He came in and had a very nice game in a spot where we needed him,” Anfenson said.

Also stepping up his play lately has been Cole Krutzig, who is the floor general for the Knights. The football quarterback had three steals vs. Rogers (10-6, 3-2), taking his defense straight at the Royals’ top ball handlers.

“He’s been our most consistent player. He’s steady. And tonight he picked up his defense and really put them on their heels,” Anfenson said.

It’s been busy 10 days for the Knights, who are looking to get into a rhythm now that the season is in full swing. STMA dropped a six-point thriller at Buffalo, then traveled to Moorhead and pulled off a big win against a Section 8 opponent on Saturday. Thursday night’s game is followed by a tilt vs. East Ridge tomorrow.

“It’s kind of been an odd stretch because we have like three days of practice, then back-to-back games, then four practices, then game, practice, game. So, the guys have been dealing well. It’s a great group. One of the best I’ve ever coached when it comes to off the court. They’re fun to be around.”

Saturday night’s game vs. East Ridge begins at 7:15 at the high school. The Knights head to Monticello Tuesday, Jan. 31 for another big conference game. Then, they travel to Cambridge Friday, Feb. 3.


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