Staples-Motley at Aitkin

Recap

Another hard-nosed, gritty match-up with the Aitkin Gobblers and Staples-Motley Cardinals once again wen to to the Gobblers 65-58 to finish off the regular season and win on Senior Night. from Aitkin High School.

The Gobblers opened the game with feeding their post players the ball despite early turnover issues allowing the Cardinals to keep the score close. Staples-Motley was able to get on a late run with transition points off Aitkin turnovers and lead 25-23 at the half.

A sluggish start for Aitkin’s offense in the 2nd half also coupled with the Cardinals inability to capitalize at the free throw line led the a much tighter game. Staples-Motley built a short lead throughout the 2nd half but the Gobblers Senior leadership came through with Landon Janzen’s 25 points and Gus Sanford adding 18. Zack MacDonald also had a late layup that could have been a three point attempt. Aitkin was also able to convert 10-of-14 at the free throw line in the 2nd half in order to sweep the season series from the Cardinals. Isaiah Schultz led Staples-Motley with 28 points.

Aitkin is now 10-14 on the season and Staples-Motley falls to 6-19 with the Section 7-2A Playoffs looming next week.

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Aitkin Stats (12-18 FT; 22 rebounds; 17 tunovers): Landon Janzen 25pts, 9pts; Gus Sanford 18pts, 6rebs; Zack MacDonald 11pts, 1reb; Micah Lane 6pts, 2rebs; Jaeland Williams 3pts, 2rebs; Eli Christy 2pts, 1reb; Alex Palm 1pt, 1reb

Staples-Motley (8-12 FT; 15 rebounds; 6 turnovers): Isaiah Schultz 28pts, 4rebs; Sivert Klefsaas 11pts, 4rebs; Dakota Hennagir 6pts, 4rebs; Hunter Miller 6pts, 1reb; Josh Schimpp 4pts; Dominic Gomez 3pts, 2rebs