THE PRIOR LAKE LAKERS TOOK ON THE CHANHASSEN STORM IN A REGION BOYS' BASKETBALL GAME

In the first meeting of the year Prior Lake Lakers took on the Chanhassen Storm in a boys' region basketball game. Prior Lake came into the game with a record of 15-12 while Chanhassen came into the game with a record of 22-5.

The game got off to a quick start as each team traded baskets. Both teams traded baskets early in the contest. The teams were exploring weaknesses and strengths during the first 10 minutes of the game.

Chanhassen did a good job of getting the ball down the floor. They were able to score fast break lay-ups. Prior Lake tried many different defenses against them early. Chanhassen did a good job of taking care of the ball and they were very methodical in their offense.

The score went back and forth throughout the first half. Neither team went on a run. It was closely fought defensive struggle and both teams handled the pressure well.

The coaches shouted instructions to their respected teams. I thought that each team did a good job of responding to the instructions that they were given. Neither team gave up easy shots in the first half.

Chanhassen's Joey Witthus came off the bench and was able to step up and hit a few long three-point shots. Chanhassen was not able to slow him down. His teammates did a good job of getting him the ball.

At halftime the score was Chanhassen 32 and Prior Lake 31.

Each team brought a lot of students. The students cheered for their respective teams. They went back and forth in chanting and got involved in the game.

Both teams started exchanging three-point shots at the start of the second half. That got the crowd back into the game. Kevin Jensen found his shot in the second half. He was able to drain long three-point shots to keep which spark a second half surge.

Steve Gitzen got the Chanhassen offense going as he stepped up and was able to drain a few deep three pointers. The game came down to the wire. I liked the fact that neither of these teams gave up. Both of these teams played with a lot of passion.

Both teams dove on the floor for loose balls and all 10 guys went after rebounds.

Evan Kotchevar for Prior Lake tied the game at 63 with a deep three-point shot with 8.8 seconds.

The score was tied at 63 at the end of regulation.

Overtime started out with both teams maintaining their intensity on offense and defense. Chanhassen managed to score 8 more points while Prior Lake only managed to score 4 more points. Chanhassen played keep away in the final 30 seconds which forced Prior Lake to send them to the free throw line.

Chanhassen came away with the 71-67 over time victory over Prior Lake.

The leading scorers for Prior Lake were Evan Kotchevar 20, and Jon Sobaski with 19 points. The leading scorers for Chanhassen were Kevin Jensen with 18 points, Cole Otto and Joey Witthus with 12 points each.