MARANATHA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY WENT UP AGAINST LITCHFIELD IN A BOYS’ BASKETBALL GAME

On March 7, Maranatha Christian Academy went up against Litchfield in a Section 5 Class 2A boys’ basketball quarterfinal boys’ basketball game. The winner of this game will play Minneapolis North in a semifinal boys’ basketball game.

The game got off to a quick start at both teams looked to push the ball down the floor and score baskets in transition.

Maranatha started the game in a zone defense. That made Litchfield pass the ball around the 3-point line.

Maranatha’s Hakim Daniels came up with deep 3-point shots in transition. He was also able to drive down the floor and came up with layups in transition.

Litchfield took a lot of time off the clock by swinging the ball around the 3-point line and attacking the Maranatha’s zone defense.

Litchfield called a timeout with 12:43 left in the first half. The score was Maranatha 8, Litchfield 4.

Litchfield moved the ball well around the 3-point line as they got everyone involved in the offense.

Neither team’s offense got going early in the first half. The zone defense that both teams played made it difficult for the other team to come up with uncontested shots throughout the first half.

Daniels stepped up and knocked down some big shots midway through the first half.

Maranatha’s Bailey McDonald and Benji Bruce both came up with mid-range jump shots and layups throughout the first half.

Litchfield’s Ben Nelson came up with key shots throughout the first half. His teammates were able to get him the ball in spots where he could shoot it. Teammate Tyson Michels attacked the basket and came up with layups and mid-range jump shots.

Both teams went after the ball on both ends of the floor.

Litchfield’s Ben Alsleben knocked down deep 3-point shots in transition. That kept Litchfield in the game.

Maranatha’s Jeremiah LaVelle came up with mid-range jump shots and layups throughout the first half. His teammates were able to get him the ball in spots where he could shoot it.

Maranatha called a timeout with 3:46 left in the first half. The score was Litchfield 22, Maranatha 18.

Daniels kept on coming up with deep 3-point shots and jump shots throughout the first half. The defense had a tough time slowing him down on the defensive end.

Both teams stepped up and knocked down shots late in the game. Neither team gave up an uncontested shot.

Maranatha’s MacIah Harut came up with key shots late in the first half.

The score went back and forth late in the first half.

The score at halftime was Maranatha 26, Litchfield 25.

As the second half got underway Maranatha started the second half in a zone defense. They wanted to make Litchfield pass the ball around the 3-point line and take time off the clock in the zone against the zone.

Litchfield’s Ben Alsleben came up with 3-point shots in the second half.

The score went back and forth early in the second half. Neither team gave up an uncontested shot. There were multiple ties and lead changes in the second half.

Daniels continued to come up with shots in the second half.

Maranatha did a good job of moving the ball down the floor and getting everyone involved in the offense.

Maranatha called a timeout with 12:49 left in regulation. The score was Litchfield 33, Maranatha 28.

Maranatha used a zone defense throughout the second half. Litchfield was able to get past the zone defense and came up with mid-range jump shots and layups throughout the second half.

Both teams dove after the ball and went after loose balls on both ends of the floor.

Litchfield’s Avery Liestman and Ben Nelson were able to come up with mid-range jump shots and layups throughout the second half. They kept their cool on both ends of the floor.

Daniels stepped up big throughout the second half.

Litchfield called a timeout with 5:39 left in regulation. The score was Litchfield 37, Maranatha 36.

The score continued to go back and forth throughout the second half. There were multiple ties and lead changes throughout the second half. Neither team went on a significant run in the second half.

The game was close throughout.

Daniels kept his team in the game. He stepped up and knocked down big shots throughout the second half.

Litchfield called a timeout with 1:28 left in the second half. The score was Litchfield 43, Maranatha 42.

Both teams took a lot of time off the clock by swinging the ball around the 3-point line. Neither team gave up an uncontested shot late in the game.

MacIah Harut came up with a layup at the buzzer to win the game. Maranatha came up with the 45-43 victory over Litchfield.