Osakis takes down Royalton
Tue, 03/14/2023 - 5:57pm
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Sauk slips by again to end Osakis’ playoff run
The Osakis Silverstreaks had a nice start to the Section 6AA playoffs with a win over Royalton March 7.
The Streaks were a little slow starting their campaign but they rallied and found their rhythm.
“Royalton did a great job of taking us out of our rhythm offensively as we had trouble scoring the first half,” said head coach Matt Hoelscher.
“We had good looks around the basket and from the three point line, but they weren’t falling. We started to play timid and that transitioned to our defense. We gave up offensive rebounds, struggled to stop the penetration and allowed Royalton to get easy post up points.”
This led to Osakis trailing the Royals 23-28 at the break.
But the Streaks rebounded and came into the second half with some renewed focus and some ground to make up.
“We started attacking the basket more in the second half, and Mekai gave us a part by making two big threes,” Hoelscher said.
“That momentum then opened up driving lanes for Stewart and post touches for Kyle and Grant.
“The Mages boys were able to get some offensive boards which helped extend our lead.
“Isaac and Drew didn’t score much but they did a great job defensively, or attracting Royalton defenders, which opened up things for other players.
“Seth had some big minutes and rebounds as well.
“We found a way to win even though it wasn’t pretty; but during playoff time, you take any in that you can as long as you advance.”
This big second half led to the Streaks piling on 44 points compared to just 31 for Royalton.
Osakis took the win 67-59.
Stewart Jones led the Streaks with 20 points and five rebounds.
Kyle Mages had 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Grant Mages had 14 points and nine rebounds.
Mekai Hoelscher brought in 12 points and three rebounds.
Osakis then moved on to face rival Sauk Centre at St. John’s University March 11.
Game stats were not available at the time of printing, but Sauk Centre once again found a way to slip by Osakis, this time by just 3 points.
Osakis ended their playoff run with a 55-58 loss.
Osakis went 21-7 on the season. They were 5-3 in Section 6AA play and went 8-2 in the Prairie Conference.
Osakis ended the season ranked 24th in the AA standings.
