Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg Fighting Saints triumphed over the Lac qui Parle Valley Eagles 61-58 on Tuesday night, clinching victory thanks to standout performances from their athletes. Teagen Diederich shone brightly, leading all scorers with 22 points during the nail-biting Camden Conference clash at Kerkhoven, Minnesota.
Diederich exhibited remarkable shooting, landing three field goals and sinking five three-pointers, along with contributing one of two free throws. His performance not only bolstered the team's score but also showcased his growth as a player, earning him recognition as the game’s top performer.
Carson Besonen of the Eagles countered Diederich's effort with 17 points, displaying sharp shooting skills from beyond the arc. The Eagles, unfortunately, fell to 3-7 overall after the loss, whereas KMS improved to 4-5. Both teams are now focused on their upcoming games, with Lac qui Parle Valley set to play at home against Milbank on Thursday, January 9, and KMS gearing up for their road matchup against Lakeview on Friday, January 10.
Supporting Diederich were fellow teammates Gavin Mulder and Hunter Engelke, who added 12 and 9 points, respectively. Mulder also had five rebounds and two steals, playing both offense and defense effectively. Engelke displayed versatility, nearly achieving a double-double with nine points and 11 rebounds, demonstrating the depth and potential of the KMS roster.
According to the game report, the first half was particularly decisive for KMS, who led 36-25 at halftime. This strong start laid the groundwork for the team’s overall performance, even as the Eagles fought back, narrowing the gap to just three points by the end of the game.
Lac qui Parle Valley’s lineup included additional contributions from Davis Patzer, who managed 12 points, and players Tygan Allpress, Matthew Arndt, and Brock Bjornjeld, who each scored nine points. Their collective efforts, along with strong shooting from Besonen, kept the game competitive throughout.
KMS's head coach expressed pride in his team's effort, emphasizing the importance of strong defense and team cohesion leading to the game's outcome. The dynamics observed on the court illustrated how key moments—like successful rebounds, assists, and strategic plays—made all the difference. The Fighting Saints secured 11 rebounds from Engelke, who emerged as not only their rebound leader but also as a pivotal defensive figure for KMS.
Looking forward, Diederich reflected on the importance of teamwork and resilience, stating, "We knew we had to stick together and play as one unit to secure the win tonight." His perspective highlights the importance of collaboration, especially as they prepare for their challenging match against Lakeview.
While KMS celebrated this strategic victory, the Eagles recognized areas needing improvement. Coach for Lac qui Parle Valley noted, "We played hard, but we need to refine our closing ability to edge games like these. We can’t let opportunities slip away like we did tonight." His comments resonate as the Eagles look to recalibrate before facing Milbank.
Overall, the match illustrated the excitement and unpredictability of high school basketball, where individual talent and teamwork can create unforgettable moments. Fans will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on both teams as the season progresses, eager to see how they adapt and rise through the conference standings.