Photos by Tim Kolehmainen
LaCrosse Aquinas, the top-ranked team in Wisconsin Division III, wasn't making any excuses. Just hours after playing a rugged game against rival LaCrosse Central back home in Wisconsin, the Blugolds (15-1) jumped on the bus and made the trek to St. Cloud Tech for the 5th annual Border Battle. Despite tired legs and a short night, Aquinas battled past St. Cloud Cathedral, 71-64.
"We just felt like we had to go out and play our game and do the things that we do well," said Aquinas coach Rick Schneider. "The kids were tired, though, and we had an emotional conference game last night. It's a little bit tougher to get going in that situation.
"But you have to turn it into a business trip and get the win regardless, whether it's pretty or not."
Sophomore point guard Bronson Koenig certainly had a picturesque game. The silky smooth D1 recruit scored a game-high 26 points, showing off a big range of offensive skills. He was joined in double-figures by guard Michael Conway (18 points) and forward Jimmy Ancius (16 points).
Cathedral (10-7) was paced by guards Joe Burt (23 points) and Bjorn Bjorklund (20), who combined to hit six three-pointers. Burt, the point guard and catalyst of the offense, kept the Crusaders close much of the game before Aquinas pulled away late.
The game was tied at 32-all at intermission, as Koenig hit a runner at the buzzer to erase the Crusaders' lead.
"This was our third Friday-Saturday (game) in a row," said Schneider. "You don't always execute perfectly, but you find a way to get it done."
Aquinas coach Rick Schneider
Player of the game
Aquinas' Bronson Koenig
Bronson Koenig, LaCrosse Aquinas
Koenig, a 6-foot-2 sophomore point guard, looked like a veteran on the court Saturday afternoon as he poured in a game-high 26 points as the Blugolds beat St. Cloud Cathedral, 71-64. The smooth youngster is already rumored to have been offered scholarships by Marquette and Wisconsin -- as well as several other possible big-name suitors. It's easy to see why, as he's calm on the court and has great physical skills.
The 2011 Border Battle is set for Saturday, Jan. 29, at St. Cloud Tech High School. The fifth annual event features six teams from Minnesota going head-to-head with six from Wisconsin.
What's at stake? Bragging rights between the two states.
Minnesota got the best of Wisconsin in 2010, five games to none and leads the overall series 12-8.
Fans who can't get to St. Cloud Tech High School Saturday have another outlet to watch their favorite teams! Webcast America will be broadcasting the entire Border Battle right here.
Game Statistics
Score by half:
St. Cloud Cathedral 32-32--64
LaCrosse Aquinas 32-39--71
St. Cloud Cathedral: Burt 23, Bjorklund 20, Rucks 11, B. Schmit 6, N. Schmit 2, Vierzba 2.
LaCrosse Aquinas: Koenig 26, Conway 18, Ancius 16, Pederson 6, McCartney 2, Vegel 2.
St. Cloud Cathedral vs. LaCrosse Aquinas
Border Battle -- Saturday, Jan. 29 at St. Cloud Tech
Photos from this event can be ordered from http://photo21.dotphoto.com
Please check back tomorrow for galleries on that site, or contact Tim at tim@BreakdownSportsUSA.com
St. Cloud Cathedral vs. LaCrosse Aquinas
Photos from Minnesota Preps photographer Michael J. Much.
2011 Border Battle
| Time | MN | WI |
|---|---|---|
| 11:30 a.m. | Tartan | Seymour |
| 1:15 p.m. | Rocori | Manitowoc Roncalli |
| 3:00 p.m. | St. Cloud Cathedral | LaCrosse Aquinas |
| 4:45 p.m. | Hopkins | Madison East |
| 6:30 p.m. | St. Cloud Apollo | Rice Lake |
| 8:15 p.m. | St. Cloud Tech | Baldwin-Woodville |
Border Battle news
Alerting top boys' and girls' basketball players!
- By Breakdown Staff 05/03/2024, 8:30am CDT
Coaches, submit your basketball info today!
- By Tim Kolehmainen, Breakdown Sports Media 05/01/2024, 2:15pm CDT
MN-WI Border Battle schedule announced
- By Tim Kolehmainen, Breakdown Sports Media 05/17/2020, 9:45am CDT
Boys' basketball: Best of the best
- By Tim Kolehmainen, Breakdown Sports Media 04/17/2019, 1:00pm CDT
Winter basketball event schedules released!
- By Breakdown Staff 03/20/2018, 9:00am CDT