Most of the first quarter was close but the Rockets took control from there as the locals defeated Harvey-Wells County, by a final score of 86-56 in first-round action, of the District 7 boys basketball tournament, played at Devils Lake on Friday, Feb. 28.
A basket by Hunter Thompson put the locals up 10-0 with 5:50 left in the first. A hoop by Jackson Fike cut the lead to 16-9 with 2:05 to go. New Rockford-Sheyenne went on a 7-0 run and went up 23-9 on a hoop by Bo Belquist with 0:25 left and that completed the quarter scoring.
The Hornets did not have a good second quarter as the locals outscored them 17-5 and the Rockets built the lead to 40-14 at halftime. New Rockford-Sheyenne increased the lead to 66-31 after three and cruised to an 86-56 win.
There was not much defense played in the fourth quarter although reserves for both teams did get some valuable playing time. Harvey-Wells County does not have a senior on this year’s team, so next year could be quite good for them. The Hornets made 24 field goals, 3-5 free throws and committed 8 fouls. The Rockets made 34 field goals, 7-10 free throws and committed 12 fouls. Isaac Friese led Harvey-Wells County with 13 points.
Tyson Tipton added 10 points.
As usual, the Rockets had good scoring balance. Hunter Thompson led the locals with a game-high 18 points. Evan Ulrich had 17 points. Bo Belquist had 13 points and Nick Presnell added 11. New Rockford-Sheyenne improves to 14-6 overall.
H-WC: 9 5 17 25 = 56
NR-S: 23 17 26 20 = 86
H-WC: Jackson Fike 8, Ethan Nitz 6, Alex Erickson 6, Madden Thorsen 4, Tate Grossman 4, Tanner Grossman 3, Gabe Allmaras 2. Three-pointers: Tipton 2, Nitz 2, Tanner Grossman.
NR-S: Colter Soderholm 6, Johnny Grann 6, Nathan Holzwarth 5, Ben Schafer 3, Koby Duda 3, Nick Berglund 2, Hunter Johnson 2. Three-pointers: Soderholm 2, Presnell 2, Grann 2, Holzwarth, Thompson, Schafer, Duda, Ulrich.