FERGUS FALLS -- The Willmar Cardinals got the lift they were looking for heading into the holidays with a 76-40 win over Fergus Falls in Central Lakes Conference boys basketball Friday night.
Thirteen players got in the Willmar scoring column. Senior guard Kyle Townswick struck for five 3-pointers on the way to a season-high 23 points. Senior post Ryan Hagemeyer was the only other Cardinal in double figures with 11.
Willmar improved to 4-1 in the circuit and 4-2 overall. The Cardinals will host Becker Wednesday night in the second game of the Bremer Bank Classic, and then play either New London-Spicer or Duluth Central in the second-round of games on Thursday.
The Otters' scoring woes continued. Now 0-5, they were outscored 76-34 by Rocori and 49-29 by Alexandria the previous two times out. Willmar held their hosts to 20 points each half.
"It's good to get back on the winning track," said coach Steve Grove, referring to recent losses at Brainerd and Litchfield. "I was pleased with the overall effort."
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The team play showed up in getting Townswick good looks at the basket.
"We did a better job of setting screens," continued Grove. "Cory Hanson especially helped Kyle get his shot and Kyle was helping others, too."
Willmar's bench contributed as much as the starters: Tom Boike led in rebounds with five, Jarod Hennen dished out five assists and Casey Sussenguth and Ryan DeGree each made three steals.
The Otters were led by junior guard Nick Fogard with eight points.
Fergus has had just 12 wins over three seasons since going 22-4 in 2003-04 when the Otters won Section 8AAA title by beating Willmar 56-53.
Willmar 76, Ferg. Falls 40
Willmar (4-1, 4-2) 41 35-- 76
Fergus Falls (0-5, 0-5) 20 20-- 40
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WILLMAR - 30-52 FG (7-15 3 pt); 9-14 FT; 38 rebounds; 11 fouls ... Scoring: Isaiah Streed 2, Kyle Townswick 23, Matt Seehusen 5, Zach Coquyt 1, Jarod Hennen 6, Cory Hanson 6, Ben Lippert 2, Michael Dunham 5, Justin Smith 5, Alec Saunders 2, Casey Sussenguth 4, Ryan Hagemeyer 11, Thomas Boike 4 ... 3-point shots: Townswick 5, Dunham 1, Smith 1 ... Rebound leaders: Boike 5 ... Assist leaders: Hennen 5 ... Steal leaders: Sussenguth 3, Ryan DeGree 3
FERGUS FALLS - 16-51 FG (5-19 3 pt); 3-5 FT; 23 rebounds; 10 fouls ... Scoring: Joe Wood 7, Jason Jorgenson 2, Alec Robertson 3, Alex Nelson 7, Nick Fogard 8, Kyle Shaikoski 7, Andrew Auck 4 ... 3-point shots: Robertson 1, Nelson 1, Fogard 2, Shaikoski 1... Rebound, Assist, Steal leaders: not available
