Russell Boys Fall to TMP in MCL Tournament Semifinal
The Russell High School boys basketball team lost 50-36 to rival TMP-Marian in WaKeeney on Friday, January 20 in the Mid-Continent League Tournament semifinals.
Seven-seed Russell opened the game with a 5-0 lead, but three-seed TMP then went on a 13-0 run and the Monarchs led 15-7 after one period. TMP led 22-15 at the halftime break and extended its advantage to 38-23 after three quarters. The Monarchs hit free throws down the stretch and won 50-36.
Senior David Pummell led the Broncos with a season-high 12 points. Senior Jackson Cross followed with eight points. Senior Jordayn Buhrle had 12 rebounds and three blocks.
Senior Luke Rome paced TMP with 19 points and 10 rebounds followed by 17 points and 11 boards from senior Dylan Werth. Senior Kade Harris grabbed 12 rebounds.
The Monarchs outrebounded Russell 39 to 35 overall, but the offensive caroms were even at 16 apiece.
The Russell boys fall to 7-5 overall and remain 3-1 in the league.
The MCL Tournament was originally scheduled to finish on Saturday, January 21, but was postponed to Monday, January 23 due to an incoming winter storm.
The Russell boys will play four-seed Phillipsburg in the third place game now scheduled for Monday, January 23 at approximately 4:30 PM in WaKeeney at the Trego Community High School Main Gym. Phillipsburg lost 44-39 to top seed Hill City on Friday.
The boys game on Monday will follow the Russell girls versus Plainville 11th place game, which is scheduled for 3 PM in Stockton at the High School Gym.
Catch both Russell games on KRSL AM 990, 98.1 FM and KRSL.com.