Boys basketball: Shots start falling during 2-0 week

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When the Rosemount boys basketball team lost its opening game of the season, Irish coach Bryan Schnettler wasn’t worried.

There was just too much missing for Rosemount in the opener. The Irish missed shots their coach believes they will make as the season progresses. They were also missing players.

The second week of the season was a change for Rosemount, but Schnettler was sticking with his original assessment.

“We’re getting healthy; getting more guys to help us out here,” Schnettler said. “I like this team a lot. I’d like it even if we were 0-3. They’re great guys, fun to be around, they’ve been working hard so far and they’re holding each other accountable.”

Last week, the Irish got a bit healthier, in both respects.

Rosemount (2-1) went to Minnetonka and won 61-57. They followed that with a 73-54 win at Northfield.

“We got similar shots and made a few more of them,” Schnettler said. “And we didn’t shoot outstanding.”

A slow start doomed the Irish in their first game, but they flipped the script in game two.

Rosemount led 39-24 at halftime against Minnetonka.

“We were still shorthanded and missing some key players, but guys stepped up big,” Schnettler said. “We were up 15 at half and held on even though we had a short bench.”

The Irish shot 40 percent for the game and were led by Andrew Nelson’s 25 points.

Matt Nelson had 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Alex Timmers had eight assists to just one turnover. Charlie Broback hit three 3-pointers.

“We were able to hold on and get the win,” Schnettler said. “There were some things to improve on there in the second half. We didn’t make as many shots as we did in the first half, but it was definitely a good win.”

Matt Nelson scored a team-high 17 points against Northfield as one of three players in double figures.

Jeff Ruhl added 16 points and Kevin Larson scored 12.

Rosemount led by four points at halftime, but scored 46 in the second half.

“We really started rolling and shot well in the second half,” Schnettler said. “Our energy was up. We were deeper with Brandon Forcier, Jordan Tumilson and Kevin Larson back from injuries. We got a little taste of what it might look like when we get our full squad back.”

The Irish will play in the Bethel tournament next week. Rosemount begins the tournament with a game against Champlin Park at 8:15 p.m. Dec. 29 at Bethel.

Tags: boys basketball, sports, rosemount, prep, irish