Indees start slow, looking to gel throughout the season

When players from two different programs are suddenly put on the same team, it can take time to get going. At least, that was the case for the Independence/Gilmanton boys basketball team in its season opening, 66-31, loss to Boyceville last week Tuesday. 

But, it should get better. I/G coach Kory Rud said the players have been working hard and that the team should improve as the season progresses.

“The students are working really well together and the players have been very coachable,” Rud, who previously coached Gilmanton, said. “It’s been really great so far and we look forward to coaching this group of players.”

Both Gilmanton and Independence graduated key players from last year, including Hunter Guenther who scored 22 points per game for Gilmanton and Tyler Kingsbury, who scored 17.5 per contest for Independence. Both teams also graduated the second-leading scorer from a year ago, but there are several players returning.

Chase Jesse scored 11.3 points per game and Grady Meier averaged 10 for Gilmanton. Brandon Sylla scored 7.8 and both Xavier Santillan and Nathan Pyka averaged three for Independence. Both teams have several other players returning, which gives them good depth.

“We have a good mix of players so I look forward to fielding a competitive team,” Rud said. “I feel we have a solid bench so we can mix starters and have depth to rotate players and this should help work harder with competitive practices.”

Rud said his team has a good mix of guards and post players. Some will have expanded roles from last year and could continue to see more time as they become more comfortable and confident. 

The Indees hosted Whitehall on Monday of this week and will head to Alma/Pepin on Thursday before hosting Black River Falls on Friday. 

Boyceville 66 I/G 31

The Indees struggled from the field as Boyceville took control of the game early.

The Bulldogs scored 15 of the first 17 points in the game and led by 20 at 28-8. They kept pushing the lead as they took a 38-13 advantage into halftime.

I/G struggled offensively, shooting 26.3 percent from the field and eight-for-16 from the free-throw line. They were also out-rebounded, 44-25. 

While Boyceville slowed down in the second half, they continued to increase their lead as they went on to win by 35.

I/G’s offense was balanced, but nobody scored more than six points, which is what both Sylla and Meier finished with.

I/G (field goals/attempts-free throws/attempts-rebounds-points) — Meier 3/8-0/0-4-6 Santillan 1/7-0/1-3-3 Olson 0/1-0/0-0-0 Mendoza 0/0-2/4-1-2 Pfaff 0/1-0/1-3-0 Flores 1/2-0/1-4-3 Pyka 1/2-2/2-0-4 Montalvo 1/3-0/0-1-3 Chase 1/4-2/4-2-4 Sylla 2/10-2/3-3-6