The Minnesota Valley Lutheran Chargers faced a challenging nonconference game against the Waseca Bluejays, resulting in a tough 94-59 defeat on Saturday at Storm Fieldhouse. The Chargers experienced significant difficulties, racking up 25 turnovers that hindered their performance.
Leading the Chargers, Owen Birkholz scored 12 points, followed closely by Pierson Brau and Ethan Schauland with 10 points each, and Luke Merseth contributing 9. In contrast, Waseca showcased a strong offensive performance, dominated by Deron Russell’s game-high 31 points, with Carson Ohnstad adding 27 points and Damarius Russell scoring 14.
From the start of the game, Waseca capitalized on MVL’s turnover problems, quickly establishing a double-digit lead. The Chargers’ only lead came at the very beginning of the game after a basket from Brau, but a series of turnovers allowed Waseca to go on a 10-0 run. Head coach Craig Morgan had to call multiple timeouts early in the game in an effort to stop the momentum shift, acknowledging the need for improved decision-making and ball movement.
Despite some small positive moments, such as a putback by Merseth and a three-pointer from Brau, the Chargers found themselves trailing 57-33 at halftime. Morgan highlighted the team’s ongoing rebuilding phase and emphasized the importance of fostering better team chemistry and defensive toughness.
In the second half, Waseca extended their lead significantly, at one point going up by 42 points before the Chargers began to find their rhythm again through a three-pointer by Schauland. However, the deficit was too great to overcome, leading to MVL’s third consecutive loss of the season.
Looking ahead, the Chargers are set to face substantial challenges, including a matchup against Martin County West on Tuesday and a home game against New Ulm Cathedral on Friday. Despite the current struggles, there remains an opportunity for growth, and the team is encouraged to learn from these experiences as they transition from junior varsity to varsity, aiming to strengthen both their skills and cohesiveness as a squad.
This season may hold difficulties, but with perseverance and dedication, the Chargers can build upon their experiences and emerge stronger as a team.