MACA girls lose two squeakers, win one
in pre-holiday action
by Nancy Woodke, Morris Sun Tribune
Milbank 47
Morris Area/C-A 46
The Tigers were swept in neighboring South Dakota on the first road trip of the season on Tuesday, December 15. The varsity Tigers fell short by one point, 47-46. Despite an early deficit, the Tigers took a 30-23 lead into halftime. "We came out a little flat falling behind 3-10, before we rallied to take a seven-point lead at half-time," said Gagner.
"We were doing a lot of things correctly – boxing out, running the floor, getting to the line – but we just had a hard time finishing our shots," he said. "Milbank started to hit some shots in the second half and we just couldn't manage to hold on to our lead."
LQPV 59
Morris Area/C-A 51
The Tigers managed a 30-30 tie at halftime before giving up a late Eagle run to finish down eight Thursday, December 17,tat Lac qui Parle Valley. "It's really hard to find many positives to take from this game," said Gagner. "After playing so well in a one-point loss on Tuesday night, we really struggled in all areas this evening.
"I popped in the tape when I got home and it confirmed what I thought. LQPV beat us in every facet of the game. They out-hustled us, dominated on the boards, and took better care of the ball.
"They were clearly the superior team. We will need to step it up in practice."
MACA 52 WHN 50
Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta improved to 3-2 with a 52-50 non-conference win over Wheaton/Herman-Norcross Monday night, December 21, at home. At halftime it appeared the class A Warriors could upset the class AA Tigers, but a second-half rally turned the game around. "We had a fight on our hands and we were fortunate to come away with the win," said Tiger coach Ken Gagner. "I thought we came out real flat," said Gagner. "We just didn't seem to have any energy and our defense was slow."
MACA boys extend winning streak to 7
by Nancy Woodke
Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta improved their record to 7-0 overall.
Morris/C-A 54
Montevideo 44
The Tigers defeated Montevideo, Tuesday, December 15, 54-44 on the home court.
Morris/C-A 68
Wahpeton 48
The Tigers defeated Wahpeton 68-48 Friday, December 18, in the semifinals of the Wahpeton Invite.
Morris/C-A 58
Breckenridge 46
The Tigers won the championship game Saturday, December 19, 58-46 over Breckenridge at North Dakota State College of Science. The Tigers overcome a little foul trouble in the first half, having to sit three starters, by shutting down Breckenridge in the second half. The Cowboys scored just 16 points from three players. The Tigers' guards took over in the second half.
MACA 47
LPGE 28
Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta improved to 7-0 after a 47-28 win over Long Prairie-Grey Eagle in a non-conference boys' basketball game Tuesday, December 22. The unbeaten Tigers shot just 32 percent from the field, but the Thunder, now 2-4, shot at only 24 percent, making just 11 field goals in 46 tries.