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Christian pulls away for boys’ victory

Aberdeen Christian’s Ethan Russell, center puts up a shot as DeSmet’s Kalen Garry, left, closes out on defense during the Class B championship game last season at Wachs Arena. Russell had 14 points and nine rebounds in a win over James Valley Christian on Saturday. Photo by John Davis taken 3/20/2021

HURON – Aberdeen Christian used a strong defensive effort in the second half to grab a 57-42 season-opening non-conference boys’ basketball win over James Valley Christian Saturday evening.

The Knights led by just two points at the break before dominating the third period to open up a double-digit advantage. Aberdeen outscored JVC 13-2 in that eight-minute stretch.

“I thought we started out slow today, but improved in the second half,” said Christian coach David Rohrbach. “Our attention to detail on defense in the third quarter improved and that helped us create separation.”

The Knights featured a balanced scoring attack led by Ethan Russell and Malek Wieker with 14 points apiece. Jackson Isakson contributed 10. Russell also hauled down nine rebounds.

Landon Wallman had a game-high 21 points for the Vikings. Landon Wager netted 13.

While pleased to get a victory, Rohrbach said there are plenty of things to work on.

“Obviously first game there’s a lot to improve both offensively and defensively, but we’ll continue to improve,” he said. “We’ll definitely watch the film and see where we can get better on both ends of the floor.”

The Knights will host Warner on Tuesday at the Aberdeen Civic Arena. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. following the girls’ contest.

ABERDEEN CHRISTIAN: Andrew Brennan 1 0-3 2, Jackson Isakson 4 0-0 10, Ethan Russell 4 5-9 14, Malek Wieker 5 0-0 14, Kaden Clark 2 0-3 4, Abe Holscher 2 0-0 6, Konnar Furman 0 2-3 2, Blake Rich 2 0-1 4, Joey Johnson 0 1-2 1. Totals 20 8-21 57.

JAMES VALLEY CHRISTIAN: Brennen Hood 1 0-0 2, Landon Wager 5 3-6 13, Landon Wallman 6 4-4 21, Ethan Bartholow 2 0-0 4, Isaac Korell 1 0-0 2. Totals 15 7-10 42.

Aberdeen Christian 17 29 42 57

James Valley Christian 15 27 29 42

3-point field goals – Isakson 2, Russell, Wieker 4, Holscher 2; Wallman 5. Fouled out – Holscher, Hood. Total fouls – Aberdeen Christian 13; James Valley Christian 19. Rebounds – Aberdeen Christian 41 (Russell 10, Clark 9). Turnovers – Aberdeen Christian 10. Assists – Aberdeen Christian 11.

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