NEW RICHLAND — The Blooming Prairie boys basketball team opened strong and beat New Richland-HEG (4-11 overall, 2-4 Gopher) 68-50 on the road Friday.

The Awesome Blossoms (7-6 overall, 4-1 Gopher) were led by Michael Thomas, who had 26 points, five rebounds, four blocks and four assists and John Rumpza, who had 23 points and 12 rebounds.

“We played a great last nine minutes of the first half to take control of the game,” BP head coach John Bruns said. “It was some of the best basketball we have played this year.”

NRHEG 18 32 — 50

BP 41 27 — 68

BP scoring: Michael Thomas, 26; John Rumpza, 23; Anthony Nelson, 4; Collin Yankoviak, 4; Hunter Rudlong, 4; Brett Wacek, 2; Matthew Worke, 2; Weston Fiebiger, 2; Jake Decker, 1; field goals: 54 percent (26-for-48); three-pointers: 30 percent (3-for-10); free throws: 68 percent (13-for-19); rebounds: 43 (Rumpza, 12); turnovers: 12