MEMBERS OF THE 2000 AND 2002 ORTONVILLE TROJAN BOYS STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT were honored at the Ortonville/Wilmot boys basketball game on Friday, Dec. 20 at Trojan Gym. The 2000 team placed fourth, while the 2002 team placed second in the State Class A Tournament. Also pictured with the team are Jason Kellen and Tyler Scoblic who were front row every game in 2002 cheering with their referee shirt which they are wearing in the photo. In front, left to right, are Derek Rieck (2002), Jesse Cloos (2002), John Thomas (2000), Nate Thompson (2000 and 2002), Pete Ross (2000 and 2002), Jordan Botker (2000), Skip Letrud (2000), Dan Rausch (2000), Dan Ross (2000) and Tyler Scoblic. Back row are Joe Fuller (2002), Tony Weber (2002), Landon Franzky (2002), Andy Simonitch (2000), Al Westermeyer (2002), Head Coach Kyle Kirkeby (2000 and 2002), Matt Pfingsten (2000 and 2002), Ross Wiegman (2000 and 2002), Tanner Radermacher (2000 and 2002), Noah Zehringer (2000), Ryan Longhenry (2000) and Jason Kellen. Unable to attend the ceremony were Andy Ross (2000), Mickey Rademacher (2000), Ross Randall (2002), Riley Sammon (2002), Tim Thompson (2002), Ben Zahrbock (2002), Assistant Coach Tim Giese and Assistant Coach Dave Dinnel, who passed away in 2016.
Trojan boys earn first win of season over Adrian/Ellsworth
On Tueday, Dec.17, the Trojan boys hosted the KMS Fighting Saints and lost the game, 72-57.
In that game, Ellis Longnecker led the Trojans with 15 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one blocked shot. Isaac Brown had 13 points, seven rebounds and one blocked shot. Quentin Kuefler had nine points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Connor Danielson had eight points, five rebounds and two assists. Jakobi Kuefler had seven points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Dillon Anderson had four points, three rebounds and one steal. Braxton Brandriet had three rebounds and two steals. Jonas Henrich had one rebound.
“We started very slow against KMS. Our defense wasn't as locked down as normal,” said Coach Isaiah Longnecker. “KMS is a very smart team and beat us a number of times on back door cuts. We are capable of playing much better defensively. Ellis and Isaac led the team offensively, but not quite enough for us to get the W.”
Wilmot Game
On Friday, Dec. 20, the Trojans hosted the Wilmot Wolves and lost in a close game, 53-46.
Isaac Brown had a big night with 17 points, 12 rebounds, five steals and one assist. Quentin Kuefler had 14 points, six rebounds, three steals and three assists. Braxton Brandriet had four points, five rebounds and two steals. Ellis Longnecker had four points, 10 rebounds, four assists and one steal. Connor Danielson had three points, four rebounds, two steals and one assist. Jakobi Kuefler had three points, three rebounds, three assists and one blocked shot. Dillon Anderson had one point, two rebounds and one steal. Kirby Olson had one rebound and Jonas Henrich had one rebound.
“I thought we played hard against Wilmot. They are a tough team,” said Longnecker. “Unfortunately we did not shoot the ball very well. Anytime you shoot 27 percent from the floor you are going to struggle to win the game regardless of how you defend. Isaac and Quentin led us on offense. Isaac is playing really solid minutes and consistently scoring. Hopefully we'll be able to put together a game where all our players shoot the ball well going forward.”
Benson Game
On Friday, Dec. 27, the Trojans traveled to Cottonwood for the Lakeview Holiday Tournament where they faced the Benson Braves in their first game.
Benson started fast and didn’t let up in the first half as they took a 44-23 lead into halftime. The second half was fairly even, but the Trojans could get no closer and lost, 70-46.
Isaac Brown led the Trojans with 11 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Ellis Longnecker had 10 points, five rebounds, one assist, three steals and two blocked shots. Quentin Kuefler had seven points, two assists and one steal. Connor Danielson had six points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Jakobi Kuefler had six points, eight rebounds, one steal and one assist. Braxton Brandriet had five points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Dillon Anderson had one point, five rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot. Ashton Sletton had two rebounds, Jonas Henrich had four rebounds and Kirby Olson had one rebound.
Adrian/Ellsworth Game
The Trojans traveled back to Cottonwood on Saturday, Dec. 28 for the second day of the Lakeview Holiday Tournament and were matched up against the Adrian/Ellsworth Dragons. The Trojans played a strong defensive game and came away with their first win of the season, 54-45.
The Trojans started strong, taking a 6-0 lead to start the game. Adrian/Ellsworth would come back to take a one point lead before the Trojans went on another run to take a seven point lead. The Trojans would take the lead into halftime.
In the second half, the Trojans again started strong and at one point had led the Dragons by 17 points. Adrian/Ellsworth would cut into the lead, but some key three-point baskets from Ellis Longnecker down the stretch sealed the win for the Trojans.
The Trojans were led by Ellis Longnecker with 20 points and five steals. Braxton Brandriet had 10 points; Connor Danielson had seven points and four rebounds; Isaac Brown had six points and 13 rebounds; Jakobi Kuefler had six points; and Quentin Kuefler had five points and five assists.
“I really challenged the guys before this game. I wasn't concerned about result, but I was concerned about effort,” said Coach Isaiah Longnecker. “Rebounding was the major point of emphasis after the Benson game. These men answered the bell. Isaac Brown with 13 rebounds, I couldn't be more proud of the players and the fans that were in attendance. This is something to build upon. Senior leadership was paramount. So happy for the hard work paying off. The most humble team I've coached so far.”
The Trojan boys will return to action on Tuesday, Jan. 7 when they travel to Prinsburg to battle the Central Minnesota Christian Bluejays.
