Superlarks torch Knights
Published 10:39 pm Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Grand Meadow's Dezmon Johnson drives through Alden-Conger defenders on the way to the basket during the Grand Meadow Tournament Wednesday night. - Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindaliyherald.com
GRAND MEADOW — The Superlarks torched the nets throughout the first half as they finished with their most lopsided victory of the season when they beat Alden-Conger (0-7 overall) 68-23 in the GM boys basketball invite Wednesday.
The Superlarks (4-3 overall) hit 71 percent (10-for-14) of their first half three-pointers as they held a 54-16 at the break.
GM sophomore Trenton Bleifus hit his first four three pointers of the game and junior Andrew Riedemann knocked down four-of-five from the arc in the first half.
Grand Meadow's Bryce Benson gets a hold of a rebound in traffic against Alden-Conger during the Grand Meadow Tournament Wednesday night. - Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindaliyherald.com
“A big part of it is that teams have to focus on Bryce Benson’s size,” GM head coach Chad Burmester said. “This was Trenton’s best night shooting and it was the same thing for Riedemann. As we go into the season, I think you’ll see better and better shooting if we can go inside out.”
Riedemann finished with 18 points off the bench as he spread out the Knights’ defense.
“We just had to come out, be focused and take care of business,” Riedemann said. “Coach said I come off the bench with more fire and I don’t mind not starting.”
Bleifus finished with 12 points, five rebounds and four assists as he got the Larks offense going. He hit a three to start a 23-0 run in the first half that also saw Benson break free for a one-handed jam.
The Larks have now won two in a row after dropping two straight.
“I think we’re better than we have been in years,” Bleifus said. “We’re hoping to go over .500 and we’re getting better as the year goes on.”
The Larks also got a boost off the bench from freshman Landon Jacobson, who has earned more playing time as the season has gone on. Jacobson had a career night on Wednesday as he finished with 14 points, nine steals and five rebounds.
“Landon’s a pretty special talent and a special athlete,” Burmester said. “He worked on his shooting this summer and teams can’t sag on him. We’re pretty excited about his progress throughout the year.”
AC 16 7 — 23
GM 54 14 — 68
GM scoring: Andrew Riedemann, 18; Landon Jacobson, 14; Trenton Bleifus, 12; Dezmon Johnson, 8; Collin Jacobson, 8; Bryce Benson, 6; Jamison Schneckloth, 2; free throws: 44 percent (4-for-9); rebounds: 39 (Benson, 6); turnovers: 14
AC scoring: Tommy Greenman, 8; Matt Erickson, 4; Brady Neel, 4; Elijah Hallman, 2; Elijah Reinehart, 2; Jordan Bute, 2; Kody Schoppers, 1; free throws: 39 percent (7-for-18); rebounds: 30 (Reinehart, 7); turnovers: 22
