MILLER – Aberdeen Roncalli knew what it was up against Friday night, and Miller’s inside tandem was as good as advertised.
Isaak Hunter and William Resel combined for 60 points to help power the Rustlers to a 75-69 non-conference boys’ basketball win.
“Two lefties that have really strong moves on the inside,” said Roncalli coach Dan Gallagher. “They’re physical players. They know how to get to the basket. They just have really good touch around the rim, too.”
It was Resel who did the bulk of his damage in the opening half, scoring 20 of his 27 points to help Miller take a 34-33 lead into the break.
In the second half, it was Hunter who imposed his will on the way to producing a game-high 33 points.
The Cavaliers, who got into foul trouble early in the game, paid the price later when they tried to contain the duo.
“We can’t really be as physical as we’d like to be on the inside,” Gallagher said of the foul issues. “When you’re playing against two really solid posts, you’re almost playing with your hands tied behind your back. It makes it difficult just because of how good those guys are.”
Roncalli, which trailed by as much as a dozen points, was able to stay within striking distance and trailed 65-63 with just under three minutes remaining. However, the Cavaliers were never able to get over the hump down the stretch.
The Rustlers shot 16-of-18 from the free throw stripe to help key their victory.
Jesse Hernandez topped Roncalli with 21 points, Austin Fisher followed with 17, and Sam Larson contributed 12.
The Cavaliers, 5-10 on the season, are right back at it today, facing Sully Buttes at 5 tonight at the Warner Classic.
“It’s going to be a high paced, high energy game, I’m guessing pretty physical,” Gallagher said, “just knowing between us and Sully Buttes.”
ABERDEEN RONCALLI (5-10): Jesse Hernandez 7 3-3 21, Austin Fisher 7 1-4 17, Quinten Shelton 2 0-0 4, Creighton Fisher 1 2-2 4, Mason Berndt 3 0-0 6, Sam Larson 5 0-1 12, Bryson Olson 1 3-4 5. Totals 26-65 9-14 69.
MILLER (7-10): Derek Brueggeman 3 0-0 7, Isaak Hunter 13 6-7 33, William Resel 9 8-9 27, Oliver Fritzsche 3 2-2 8. Totals 28-51 16-18 75.
Aberdeen Roncalli 16 33 51 69
Miller 12 34 59 75
3-point field goals – Hernandez 4, A. Fisher 2, Larson; Brueggeman, Hunter, Resel. Total fouls – Aberdeen Roncalli 19; Miller 10. Rebounds – Aberdeen Roncalli 19 (Olson 7, Hernandez 5); Miller 30 (Hunter 8, Resel 8). Turnovers – Aberdeen Roncalli 8; Miller 16. Assists – Aberdeen Roncalli 4 (C. Fisher 2); Miller 8 (Brueggeman 4, Hunter 3). Blocked shots – Aberdeen Roncalli 1 (Olson); Miller 3 (Hunter 3). Steals – Aberdeen Roncalli 8 (Hernandez 2, Olson 2); Miller 5 (Hunter 2).
