Irish fall to Apple Valley in the section boys basketball semifinals

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The Rosemount boys basketball team lost a close 67-59 semifinal game against Apple Valley at St. Olaf College on Saturday night.

Seeded No. 7, the Irish were attempting their second upset of the Class 4A, Section 3 tournament. They weren't going to make it easy on Apple Valley, seeded No. 3.

Rosemount's Brandon Forcier finished a lay-up on an assist from Evan Mitchell to cut the Eagles' lead to 61-59 with 48.5 seconds left and the Irish were looking for some more late-game heroics. Rosemount beat No. 2 seed Eagan in the first round on a Mitchell jump shot in the final seconds. However, Rosemount wasnt' able to finish the comeback against Apple Valley. The Eagles pulled away late with free throws after the Irish were forced to foul.

Matt Nelson led Rosemount with 13 points. Forcier and Mitchell each finished with 11. Andrew Nelson scored 10 points and Kevin Larson added five points. Jeff Ruhl and Charlie Broback each had three points.

Apple Valley will face Lakeville South in next week's section championship. The Cougars, seeded No. 4, upset top seed Eastview in Saturday's other semifinal game.

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