Boys basketball: Irish are looking for scorers

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The Rosemount boys basketball team had a couple of strong practices following two disappointing losses last week.

Irish coach Bryan Schnettler has seen his team work hard during its afternoon practices before. He’s seen the players make good shots during practice and he believes in the shooting ability of his players.

Rosemount looks good in the afternoon. The trouble for the Irish is most games are played in the evening.

“We need to respond when it’s 7:15 instead of 3 o’clock,” Schnettler said. “We’re looking for guys that can score at 7 o’clock, not looking for guys who can only score at 3 o’clock.”

Rosemount’s offense struggled during the Bethel holiday tournament last week as the Irish dropped each of their two games. Rosemount lost 53-39 against Champlin Park in the opener and followed it up with a 48-33 loss against Mounds View a day later.

Schnettler knows the Irish’s season will largely be determined on how well the offense performs, and how well the shots fall.

“We have to finish plays,” Schnettler said. “We missed easy lay-ups, easy jump shots I know the guys can make. I’ve seen them make them 100 times. It’s whether or not they believe in themselves.”

Rosemount (3-3) shot 25 percent from the field against Mounds View, including a 2 of 12 mark from beyond the 3-point line. Adding to the troubles, the Irish shot 9 of 15 from the free-throw line and committed 16 turnovers against the Mustangs.

The struggles negated a defensive effort which saw Mounds View score just 48 points, the lowest mark for an Irish opponent this season.

“The guys played hard in both games,” Schnettler said. “Defensively, we’ve been alright all year except for a couple of lapses. The offense is going to determine if we win games based on finishing and hitting the shots we should. We’ve been getting good looks. It’s whether or not we finish.”

Matt Nelson led the Irish with nine points against Mounds View. He added a team-high five rebounds.

Kevin Larson had nine points to lead the team against Champlin Park. Nelson had six points and seven rebounds.

The Irish struggled early and trailed 31-18 at halftime and shooting and ball security were concerns.

Rosemount shot 37.5 percent from the field and committed 26 turnovers.

“We did not shoot too well in either game and we turned the ball over too much,” Schnettler said. “That’s not a good combination.

“We just really struggled with our confidence.”

So, the Irish use afternoon practices to try and increase their confidence, but the key will be transferring that confidence to games in the evening.

“We’ve talked about mental toughness, about believing in themselves and having confidence,” Schnettler said. “It’s been an emphasis since the tournament. I know they are good players, because they are.”

Maybe getting back home will help Rosemount. The Irish play host to Prior Lake tomorrow and Shakopee on Saturday.

They’ve played just one home game so far this season, beating Woodbury 69-68 on Dec. 21.

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