Boys basketball: Turnovers loom large in three losses

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Rosemount boys basketball coach Bryan Schnettler knew offense would be the critical component for his Irish squad this season.

Lately, Schnettler has lamented the execution on the offensive side of the ball. Schnettler often mentions a tough shooting night in a loss. But he also knows there is bigger key for Rosemount – turnovers.

The Irish are giving the ball back to the opponent too often.

Such was the case last week in three losses.

Rosemount came up just short in a 53-49 loss at No. 5 ranked Lakeville South. Three nights later it was a 76-56 home loss against Bloomington Kennedy.

The loss to the Eagles represented the first time in seven games the Irish had scored more than 50 points. Rosemount had lost six of those games. Even surpassing the 50-point mark against Bloomington Kennedy, the Irish allowed a season high in points.

A day later, Rosemount lost 54-46 at Edina in a makeup of a game postponed earlier this season.

The Irish committed 22 turnovers in the loss to Edina, 18 against the Eagles and 19 against Lakeville South.

Rosemount (4-8, 1-3 South Suburban) also led at halftime in two of the games.

Rosemount led Edina 27-25 at halftime, but was outscored 29-19 in the second half.

The lone bright spot was Brandon Forcier’s 27 points as Rosemount played without Andrew Nelson and Matt Nelson, two of the team’s top scorers and its two tallest players.

Forcier added eight rebounds.

Bloomington Kennedy started quickly against the Irish on Friday and led 41-26 at halftime.

Jeff Ruhl scored 21 points and grabbed six rebounds. Matt Nelson had 14 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. David Morgan added 10 points.

Rosemount also led against Lakeville South, holding a 26-20 halftime advantage. But the Cougars outscored the Irish 33-23 in the second half.

Matt Nelson had 15 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.

Charlie Broback had 13 points.

Rosemount hosts Eagan tomorrow.

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