The Tigers cannot assume smooth sailing to the top, if they ever did. They sure were habitual winners over a long spell in the current season. They carved out lofty ranking status. They have a prime marquee player in Jackson Loge. The players around Jackson have a lot to offer as well.
But on Saturday, the Tigers were given a reminder that they have challenges. The opponent was Osakis. The occasion was the "Breakdown Winter Lakes Classic." Osakis has the nickname "Silverstreaks," neat. Yes it's one word. Osakis has its own visions of possibly getting the state title. They now have a 16-2 record. And MACA? The orange and black now has 17-1 W/L numbers.
Win No. 18 sure did seem to be within reach: we had a three-point edge at 50-47 with under four minutes left. Disaster struck. Osakis went on a tear to outscore us 11-5. The key for the "O" crew, according to the Echo-Press, was "big defensive stops."
The Silverstreaks were buoyed by sophomore Grant Mages, a forward. He was a clutch shooter down the stretch. His 3-pointer put the Silverstreaks up 52-50. He subsequently made a layup. The scoreboard showed 56-50 with about a minute left. The Mages baskets made up almost his whole point output for the night. That output was seven points.
"Grant's a gamer," Osakis coach Matt Hoelscher said to the Echo-Press. Grant was no-go for last season due to a knee injury.
The Tigers had a chance to tie the score as they owned the ball with .4 seconds left. No-go. So in the end we lost by three, 58-55.
Is the following an important note? Loge fouled out with 1:24 left. The Tigers need contingencies for when this guy becomes unavailable. We have other considerable talent. But I hope our fans are never caught chanting "let's go Brandon" (for Brandon Jergenson). I don't watch the Tigers in-person, though it would be fun on occasion. I'm a senior citizen and I don't want to sit alone. I don't have a female friend. I don't even have a dog any more. (I sense a country music song forming.)
Coach Hoelscher saw the Loge departure as pretty significant. He rationalized from the Tiger perspective: "That's just the way it goes."
So, "the way it goes" for the Tigers Saturday was their first loss.
Our previous game had shown we were not world-beaters. We won, yes, but by only two points vs. Redwood Valley. My review of that game is on my companion blog, "Morris of Course," and I invite you to read with this permalink. Thanks, and think spring! Oh, but it's still February.
Surely the Tigers will have to bear down now with an extra dose of resolve, if they are to realize their chief dream. Yes, No. 1 in state! Jackson's father Kevin was once on a Tiger team that was No. 2 in state. I was there to watch in person a good share of the time. I covered the Tigers in state for the Morris newspaper. I remember the bus rides. Such a rush! The ultimate. And what therapy to put aside the dreary nature of our winter.
Is the state experience forthcoming for this year's Tigers? We can't help imagining it. But the team will have to bear down.
Osakis was led in scoring Saturday by Bauer Klimek with 20 points. He scored 13 of those in the second half. I have always seen Bauer as a last name, not a first. There is a first time for everything. Mr. Klimek is a senior guard.
Might the Tigers have their No. 5 ranking position modified downward? I guess in the end, rankings mean nothing. We were in last season's AA state tournament.
Loge had to retire to the bench after battling for a rebound with Brady Mages.
Brady Mages had major impact with 18 points scored. He and Klimek dealt a 1-2 punch. Brady is a challenge to guard in the post spot. But on Saturday he produced from outside of that spot, yes from outside. He watched Loge pretty effectively inside.
Reportedly there was a sense of intensity that grew with Brady Mages and Jackson Loge. I guess Brady does not shy away from an assertive stance. Carter Watnaas played defense on Loge when Brady was out.
Osakis now bathes in a 12-game winning streak. Hoelscher saw the Saturday outcome as a huge confidence-builder. How could it not be? "I like our matchup with anyone in the state," he told the Echo-Press.
Loge scored 22 points to lead us Saturday. Durgin Decker put in ten, Toby Gonnerman nine, Thomas Tiernan seven and Brandon Jergenson six. MACA led 31-25 at halftime. Osakis outscored us 33-24 the rest of the way.
So Klimek and Brady Mages were atop the Osakis scoring list with 20 and 18 points respectively. Mekai Hoelscher put in five points. Then we see Carter Watnaas with four, Stewart Jons also with four and Grant Mages with seven. Isaac Maddock grabbed a rebound.
Osakis was four of eleven in 3-point shots.
The Tigers next play Thursday at Benson.
Wrestling on Saturday too
Quite the important prep sports action this past Saturday. Is there more Saturday prep sports than there used to be? Media people have to really stay on their toes. Maybe spend more time working on weekends? I'd be willing. But I'm a fossil now.
Congrats to Davin Rose of the MAHACA Tigers who showed his prowess on the mat to take first in the conference meet. This he did at 138 pounds. Action was at Minnewaska. These Tigers took runner-up at their weights: Ethan Lebrija, Tyce Anderson and Dallas Walton. Third place in the WCC is owned by Hunter Massner and Hunter Gibson.
The Tigers took No. 4 as a team.
- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com
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