Minot being able to score 92 points in only a 36-minute high school boys basketball game was not the biggest surprise at the Grand Forks Red River gymnasium Tuesday.
More stunning was that the Magicians were able to accomplish that output in the 92-77 win over the Roughriders despite making only six free throws. And four of those six came in the game’s last minute.
“We hit a ton of shots,” Minot coach Dean Winczewski said. “People got their money’s worth.”
And, the Magicians posted their video game-like numbers without their leading scorer and rebounder -- 6-foot-4 Braydon Lund, who is sidelined because of a concussion. “Arguably, he’s the best player in the West (Region),” Winczewski said.
The Magicians were fine without Lund. They shot 55.1 percent from the field overall and 47.6 percent on 3-pointers by going 9 of 19. They took a permanent lead at 27-25, with the biggest spread being 17 points. But the Magicians weren’t able to totally shake the hosts, who had some highlight-film plays, too.
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First-year Red River coach Kerby Krefting, who has emphasized the positive during his team’s 3-3 start, gave the credit to the Magicians.
“Our energy was there on defense,” Krefting said. “I thought we played as hard as we have all year. And it was nice to see they didn’t quit and reached down for more even with the adversity.
“Minot has so much firepower. They can beat you in a lot of ways.”
Justin Engg led the way for the Magicians with 20 points, followed by five other teammates in double figures -- KyJuan Johnson (14), Jesse Roberts (14), DiAndre Booker (13). Ben Bolinske (11) and Cody Reynolds (11). Roberts output included a rim-rattling dunk, a few minutes after Red River’s Austin Slaughter did the same, compliments of teammate Cody Robertson’s steal/pass.
Red River’s bright side was Slaughter’s 18 points in the second half, for a game-high 24 points. Slaughter, who has struggled with injuries, appeared more aggressive in attacking the hoop after intermission.
“Austin is so physical and such a good athlete that if he can get to the basket, he’ll do well there,” Krefting said.
Braeden Hanson added 22 points -- 15 in the first half -- and Carson Dennis had 12 for the Roughriders, now 3-3.
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