Willmar defense dominates Alexandria
ALEXANDRIA -- The Willmar Cardinals deployed a doomsday defense to handcuff Alexandria 59-31 in a Central Lakes boys basketball game on Monday.
"It was a good defensive effort," said Willmar coach Steve Grove. "Our pressure bothered them and we held them to one shot per possession. The defensive intensity stayed up the entire game, which is something we've been looking for."
Jordan Smith's 15 points and nine rebounds paced Willmar. Taylor Filipek added 11 points, Isaiah Streed 10 and Brian Reeves collected nine points and seven boards.
Matt Peterson's eight points topped the 10 Alexandria Cardinals who scored.
Willmar, which led 29-11 at half, last held a foe to the low thirties in March 2004, when the Cardinals nipped Detroit Lakes 31-30 in the Section 8AAA semifinals at St. Cloud State. Willmar also shot 50 percent (25 of 50) from the field and outrebounded Alexandria, 27-14.
Alexandria (1-3, 2-3) dropped its third straight after two wins to open the season. Alexandria is under first-year head coach Forrest Witt, a Morris native.
Willmar (3-0, 4-2) won its third straight going into the Bremer Bank Classic this Friday and Saturday. The first-round games, at Willmar, pit Benson and New London-Spicer in the first game and New Ulm against the Cardinals in the second.
Willmar 59, Alexandria 31
Willmar (3-0, 4-2) 29 30 -- 59
Alexandria (1-3, 2-3) 11 20 -- 31
WILLMAR - 25-50 FG (2-8 3-pt); 7-15 FT; 27 rebounds; 13 fouls ... Scoring: Alec Saunders 5, Logan Birkland 2, James Neis 3, Jordan Smith 15, Isaiah Streed 10, Taylor Filipek 11, Ryan Filipek 4, Brian Reeves 9 ... 3-point shots: T. Filipek 1, Neis 1 ... Rebound leaders: Smith 9, Reeves 7 ... Assist leaders: T. Filipek 3 ... Steal leaders: T. Filipek 3 ... Blocked shots: Smith 3
ALEXANDRIA - 11-31 FG (2-14 3-pt); 7-12 FT; 14 rebounds; 16 fouls ... Scoring: Matt Peterson 8, Parker Giroux 3, Steve Conley 5, Conner Illies 4, Reggie Ronning 2, Dillon Kelly 2, Steve Trandahl 3, Dan Gorghuber 2, Mark Whiting 2, Joe Hurlbut 3 ... 3-point shots: Conley 1, Peterson 1 ... Rebound, assist, steal leaders not available
