by Mari Radtke
Congratulations to Brayson Mulder as the Royals all-time leading scorer.
For the Royals, it was a slow start. The Royals took the first 3-0 lead with a Wyatt Alesch outside sinker and followed up with a 3 by Eli Schlenger setting a 6-2 score. The Rockets were able to tie the score at 6 still in the first after some back and forth. The Royals were able to adjust to the slow paced game favored by Boyden-Hull.
Some Royals tough defense eventually forced a turnover at 8-8 leading to a Brayson Mulder drive and giving the Royals the lead. Another BH turnover gave MMCRU an outside shot that took the buzzer score to 13-8.
The Royals were back in their groove during the second quarter, although at a bit slower and less aggressive manner. They were making their shots and forcing turnovers. The Royals got the score to 17-10. Then 17-12. Josh Peterson stole the ball and was promptly fouled by BH junior Tyler Pottebaum. MMCRU inbounded and gave Schlenger the ball. He drilled a 3-pointer making it a 20-12 game. A bad BH pass gave Schlenger a steal and getting another 2. BH senior Carter Kleinwolterink answered with a 2. The Royals’ Peterson was fouled, scoring 1 of 2 setting the halftime 23-14 score. Despite a slow start the Royals had established themselves.
The Rockets struck first in the opening of the second half. MMCRU answered. The Royals performed some ball movement that had not been seen. They were moving the ball down court using long passes and getting the ball inside. A 5-point play that got Alesch the ball netted the Royals a 5-point play putting the score at 33-16. The Rockets weren’t giving up and kept putting points on the board. The last 6 minutes of the 3rd quarter was a vigorous back and forth of 2-point scores by both teams. Royals free throws gave them an edge. The buzzer sounded at 40-25.
The final period of play was low scoring with both teams taking trips to the line. The game ended at 51-33.
Congratulations to Kamden Bork. He was named the spotlight Player of the game by Musco Lighting.
Congratulations to Michael Schmillen named the Iowa Helping Hand player by Iowa Pork Association.