Waseca boys improve to 10-2

Anyone concerned that the 2022-23 Waseca High School boys’ basketball team is not tall enough, deep enough or tenacious enough can rest easy.

It looks like the Bluejays will be all right.

Waseca ran its overall record to 10-2 with a lop-sided 72-54 nonconference victory over visiting St. Clair Tuesday, Jan. 17 in the WHS gym.

It was the third straight win for the Bluejays, who took care of business early while building a 41-20 halftime bulge.

“We defended the first half of the game really well,” said Waseca coach Seth Anderson. “We had great ball pressure and it was leading to steals. We fouled a little bit too much and I’d still like to see us rebound the ball better. We have some guys who are really competing hard and continuing to improve.”

Damarius Russell finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals while Laird Keeton logged 16 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. Others: Deron Russell 8 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal; Tyson Reger 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals; Zach Hulscher 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists; Andrew Robran 3 points, 5 rebounds; Addison Sampson 2 points; Noah Thompson 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals; Jacob Thompson 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals; Tauston Rupe 1 rebound.

The Bluejays held off Glencoe-Silver Lake 78-75 in a nonconference game Saturday, Jan. 14 at Waseca Junior High School.

The Jays seemingly had the game in hand, leading 37-31 at halftime and by 14 with three minutes to play.

"Then we had a bunch of bad plays," said Anderson.

The result was a tie ballgame with 20 seconds remaining. Damarius Russell untied it with a field goal and a free throw. Glencoe-Silver Lake's three-point attempt fell short in the waning moments.

"We had some trouble taking care of the ball late in the game, but that’s something we have been continuing to work on every day," said Anderson. "We have a great group of hard workers who are ready to continue the process."

Damarius Russell had a big night in addition to the game-winning basket, finishing with 29 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals and one blocked shot. Keaton had 20 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block, Carson Ohnstad 12 points, 1 rebound and three assists. Others: Noah Thompson 5 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; Reger 4 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Hulscher 3 points; Deron Russell 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist; Robran 2 points, 7 rebounds; Rupe 1 rebound.

The Bluejays host Fairmont Friday, St. Peter Tuesday, Jan. 24 and Jackson County Central Friday, Jan. 27.