Fast-starting Waseca boys cruise at NRHEG

The Waseca High School boys’ basketball team did whatever it wanted to Tuesday night in New Richland, defeating NRHEG 65-49. The Bluejays started fast and hot, with open three-pointers from Tyson Reger on the first two possessions. Sophomore Damarius Russell assisted on a layup to Andrew Robran, and just like that the Bluejays were up by eight, just two minutes into it. The Panthers got within five after a circus layup from William Tuttle made it 10-5. From that point, the Jays went on a 17-4 run, with seven points coming from Russell on a pullup 3-pointer and two acrobatic layups. Russell scored four more points, on a wide open layup and a pair of free throws, as the Jays took a 31-13 lead at halftime. 

The second half started the same way as the first, with Reger connecting from deep. 

At one point the Jays led by 28. All night, until that point, the Jays successfully applied a full-court press, which seemed to stymie the Panthers, which, when they could get shots off, missed many. Not to help things, the Panthers have shot well below 50% from the free-throw line, a trend which continued. 

The Bluejays improved to 3-0. The Panthers remained winless on the season. 

Individual scoring for the Bluejays: Damaruis Russell 13; Tyson Reger 15; Laird Keeton 8; Carson Ohnstad 9; Addison Sampson 5; Zach Hulscher 7; Deron Russell 5; Robran 4; Noah Thompson 1.

“I think we have a bunch of guys who are willing to share the ball and create good shots,” said Waseca coach Seth Anderson. “We have some really high-character guys on our team this year.”

And they have some offensive ability.

“Damarius has been solid and he comes back with some experience from last year,” said Anderson. “We just want him to make the correct read and the correct pass or shot every chance down the floor. He’s great at creating scoring opportunities for himself and others.”

The Bluejays play Friday at home against Jackson County. On Tuesday, Dec. 20 they host Hope Academy and on Thursday host JWP.