Shakopee Defense Stymies Huskies
Shakopee beat Owatonna 62-49 in the state Class AAAA basketball quarterfinals Wednesday at Hastings High School. Owatonna s point total matched their season low. But was very consistent with the type of defense played by the Sabers, who held teams to an average of 50 points in the ultra-competitive South Suburban Conference. Only twice all season did teams score 60 or more against Shakopee.
The Huskies shots weren t falling on Wednesday. OHS did not make a three pointer in the first half and had just three for the game. Despite that, the Huskies played close most of the way and were down just six at halftime. OHS force numerous turnovers and did a good job protecting the ball themselves.
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Defense, Depth Carry Huskies Again
With a strong defensive effort and depth necessitated by a variety of injuries and health issues affecting their lineup, the Owatonna High School boys basketball team gutted out another win Friday night. The Huskies (6-1) topped Red Wing 61-55 for their fifth straight win.
Brayden Williams led OHS with 22 points. Blake Burmeister scored 15. Regular starters Payton Beyer, Nolan Burmeister and Evan Dushek all came in off the bench. Huskies coach Josh Williams credited the Wingers defense for limiting the number of possessions in the game.
Williams spoke on the AM 1390 KRFO Coaches Show Saturday morning about the team being tested with our depth.different guys starting different games.super proud of how the team has adapted.
Owatonna High School held a National Signing Day celebration to recognize 18 student-athletes that have committed to play sports while attending college. It is a cross-section of sports, educational interests and levels of college. Signings represent NCAA Divisions I, II and III, plus NAIA Division II and National Junior College level.
Wednesday was a day for smiles and congratulatory messages. The work of balancing college life, college courses and college athletics will come later. Several other OHS student-athletes are expected to join their classmates but hadn t made a final decision yet.
Several students I spoke with said picking a college or university for their desired field of study was first priority. Some reached out to coaches at their schools of interest. In some cases coaches reached out to them through a variety of ways. Some students may have had a campus visit, but not all, due to the pandemic.