Boys hoops team splits to conference games

The Staples Motley boys basketball team suffered a letdown in a conference game on Jan. 12, falling to Pequot Lakes 70-53, but they bounced back with a strong showing in a 66-43 win over Park Rapids on Jan. 14.

Andrew Israelson scored the first seven points against Park Rapids. The team’s leading three point shooter, Israelson did all his work driving to the basket in this game, scoring twice and getting fouled on his first three drives and then finishing a fast break for a 7-2 lead.

The team never trailed in the game. Park Rapids cut the lead to four late in the first half but Israelson made four free throws and Gavin Smith made two driving baskets for an 8-0 run to end the half.

Team results

Staples Motley 53, Pequot Lakes 70

Scoring: Gavin Smith 21, John Lund 10, Andrew Israelson 10, Trey Skeesick 7, Connor Schmitz 4, Jack Fietek 1

Staples Motley 66, Park Rapids 43

Scoring: Israelson 20, Smith 20, Lund 7, Schmitz 7, Fietek 4, Mason Rychner 4, Josh Lombard 4