The Minnesota Valley Lutheran Chargers faced a challenging game against the Waseca Bluejays, resulting in a 94-59 defeat on Saturday at Storm Fieldhouse. Trouble came early for the Chargers, with a staggering 25 turnovers that hampered their ability to build momentum throughout the nonconference matchup.
Owen Birkholz was the standout for MVL, scoring 12 points, while Pierson Brau and Ethan Schauland each contributed 10 points. Luke Merseth added 9 points. Waseca, on the other hand, showcased a formidable offense, led by Deron Russell who scored an impressive 31 points, followed by Carson Ohnstad with 27 points and Damarius Russell with 14 points.
The Chargers briefly led 2-0 after a basket from Brau before Waseca took control, going on a 10-0 run propelled by MVL’s turnovers. Despite head coach Craig Morgan’s attempts to halt the momentum with timeouts, Waseca’s dominance only grew, stretching their lead to 17-2 early in the game.
“My team is currently rebuilding not only in terms of players but also in team chemistry,” Morgan explained. He emphasized the need for better ball movement and defensive toughness, acknowledging the learning curve that comes with transitioning from junior varsity to varsity competition.
Waseca utilized MVL’s turnovers effectively, reaching a commanding halftime lead of 57-33. In the second half, the Bluejays continued to score, prompting another timeout from Morgan after a series of baskets extended the lead even further.
Despite the setbacks, the Chargers are focusing on improving and gaining experience as they navigate their challenging schedule. With only two seniors on the team, they face a learning process, adapting to the faster pace and higher stakes of varsity basketball.
The Chargers, now 0-3 this season, will be looking to regroup as they travel to face Martin County West on Tuesday night and then host New Ulm Cathedral this Friday.
The upcoming games present an opportunity for growth and resilience, and with continued effort and commitment, the Chargers can look forward to developing their skills and team dynamics throughout the season.