Waconia wins another close one
No team in Minnesota has had the early season battles that Pat Hayes and Waconia have. They won by one over Richfield, lost by two scores versus Chahassen, defeated Watertown-Mayer but a point and last night defeated Prior Lake 63-60. St. John's commit Alex Schmitt led the way with a big shooting night.
"Late in the second half, we were able to put together a few baskets that increased our lead to nine with about four minutes to go, which allowed us to use the clock on offense and get good looks at the basket," said Waconia Coach Pat Hayes.
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Prior Lake guard Jon Sobaski is one of the tougher guards to defend in Minnesota and he scored a team high 14 points for the Lakers. However, the Wildcats were able to keep his penetration from hurting them in a fatal way.
"I believe we defended the dribble attack well and didn't allow for easy kick outs or dump downs on penetration," said Hayes.
After a half of play Waconia went to the locker room with a 29-28 lead and balanced scoring effort. In the second half Alex Schmitt turned his game up to another level.
"Alex Schmitt had a great effort leading us with 23 points," Hayes stated. "Alex Chandler has come back well from the stomach flu from last week and played well (ten points including two three-point makes).
Prior Lake dropped their second game in three outings and it was their second loss by three points (Osseo beat them by three in overtime Saturday at the Breakdown Tip Off Classic).
Utah State sent an assistant coach to the game to check on their committed near seven-footer Carson Shanks . Carson scored a dozen including a nice spin baseline complete with an adjustment to go around a help defender. North Dakota State was also in attendance watching Sobaski.