Chaska improves to 3-1
What we knew of the Lake Conference has now changed with most of the teams moving on to the South Suburban Conference. Chaska went in a different direction playing in the Missota Conference but their early season schedule turns back the clock opening with four former conference opponents.
Last night's 57-41 victory over Bloomington Jefferson means that Chaska has defeated former conference rivals Lakeville North (75-60), Apple Valley (75-69), and Jefferson plus battled Burnsville before losing 53-52 on a buzzer beating tip-in.
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"I was pleased with the energy we had and the defensive intensity we played with in the second half," said Chaska coach Dana Kallman about last night's victory. "We had very solid performances from a number of different guys.
"Ross Travis had 18 points (five dunks) and 11 rebounds and was extremely active and played with high energy. Jake White had 22 points and Max Watts hit some big shots for us and ended up with 13 points.
"Our bench players also came in with a lot of energy and defensive intensity. Evan Koehler, Jordan Loosbrock, and JJ Marvin all brought a lot to the floor when they came off the bench. We also received a typical "do a little bit of everything" performance out of our starting senior captain Kyle Fischer.
The Hawks are receiving strong floor games from point guard Adam Happ. Adam has 29 assists against only six turnovers this season.
Jefferson and Chaska were locked in a stalemate early before coach Kallman made a tactical switch that changed the flow of the game.
"The game was tied 14-14 and we switched to our 1-3-1 half-court zone and that seemed to give Jefferson some problems," said Kallman. "It seemed to changed the pace of the game a little and allowed us to get out and run more. We built a lead and had a 37-24 lead at half."
Wichita State signed Jake White is providing the Hawks with an impressive 33 points a game in December. The 6-foot-7 senior scored a career high 48 points last Tuesday at home against Apple Valley.
In defeat Jefferson was led by 16 points from Marcus Alipate and 11 points from senior Matt Hovila.
Chaska hosts St. Louis Park this evening.