Royals top Abby, 56-53

LOCKED IN - Blake Bargender keeps his eyes on his targets as he drives against the Royals.

STAFF PHOTO/NATHANIEL UNDERWOOD

By Nathaniel Underwood

It’s been a season of near comebacks for the Abbotsford boys basketball team and Friday evening’s matchup with the Assumption Royals was the latest iteration of a rally that came up just short in the game’s final seconds. After falling behind by as many as 20 points, the Falcons very nearly pulled off the upset of the visiting Assumption squad, but ultimately fell 5653.

The Royals kicked off the game by scoring on their first nine possessions, jumping out to a 22-2 lead. Abbotsford would spend much of the game trying to dig themselves out of this early deficit, a process that began with a short jumper from Noah Schraufnagel that kickstarted an 11-3 run for the Falcons.

Another 8-2 stretch to finish off the half, highlighted by a pair of three-point plays from Grayson Totzke, brought the Falcons within single digits heading into the locker room. After giving up 22 points in the first six minutes of the period, Abbotsford’s defense held the Royals to just eight points over the final 12 minutes.

The Falcons further increased their defensive energy to open the second period, allowing them to eat even further into Assumption’s lead. A deep three from Preston Bunkelman brought the Falcons back within two points to cap off a 12-4 run. Though the Royals were able to briefly hold back the surging Abbotsford squad, momentum had completely swung to the hosts.

With seven minutes left in the contest, Totzke tied the game at 43-43 with a baseline jumper. Assumption briefly regained the lead, but a few possessions later, JV

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Castillo found Brodhagen open underneath the basket. The junior made the most of the opportunity, fighting through some late contact to sink the layup and once again tying the game. While the following free throw was missed, Totzke was able to come up with the rebound and put it back in to give his team their first lead of the game.

Assumption tied the game back up at 49-49 with three minutes left, but Blake Bargender had the Falcons’ answer on the following possession, connecting on a clutch three-point shot to put Abbotsford back on top. Late game free throw shooting would come to haunt Abbotsford in the game’s final stretch, however.

In need of some quick offense, the Royals turned to JT Schlaefer, who delivered on a pair of free throws and a short-range field goal to give Assumption the lead. The visitors connected on five of their eight free throw attempts in the last three minutes, giving them the slight edge they needed to put away the Falcons. Meanwhile, Abbotsford missed eight of their final nine shots from the free throw line down the stretch.

Totzke recorded a double-double in the loss, putting up 18 points while shooting 7-of-10 from the field and bringing down 10 rebounds for the Falcons. Brodhagen had 16 points, making six of his eight shot attempts and recording two steals, Bargender had seven points, five rebounds and two steals and Bunkelman put up four points. Irvin Aguilera and Noah Schraufnagel finished with three points each, with Aguilera also adding three assists, and Castillo rounded out the scoring with two points. He also had three assists.

The loss dropped Abbotsford to 3-18 on the year with three games left. All three of their opponents are Marawood-North foes, with a trip to Phillips first up on the list. The last time the two teams squared off, the Loggers were able to take control in the first half, shooting 50 percent from beyond the three-point line and cruising to a 74-45 victory. Abbotsford will be looking to return the favor on Friday, Feb. 16, with the rematch schedule to begin at 7:15 p.m.

STARTING A RALLY - Noah Schraufnagel gets his team back on track with a first period basket.

STAFF PHOTO/NATHANIEL UNDERWOOD