Team Effort Fuels Russell in Win Over Victoria

Jackson Cross scored 20 points and knocked down four three-pointers as the Russell Broncos snapped a four-game losing streak in a 60-26 rout of Victoria Monday evening at Amos Morris Gymnasium.

The game was not on either team's original schedule but the schools which are separated by 17 miles agreed to the contest to replace both teams' games against Stockton which were canceled when the Tigers didn't field a Boys Basketball team this season.

The Broncos raced out to a 7-0 lead to start the game and led 17-8 after the first eight minutes.  Then Cross heated up in the second quarter with 11 points, including a trio of treys that allowed Russell to rule the stanza with a 19-3 surge for a 36-11 lead at halftime.  

The third quarter was fairly even but the Broncos widened their lead to 53-23 at the end of the period which allowed the fourth quarter to be played with a running clock.

Joining Cross in double figures for Russell was Jace Peerman who had 10 points and nine Broncos scored in all.  Seth Schwien led Victoria (2-6, 1-0 Central Prairie League) with seven points.  

Rebounds were a big part of the story in Monday's game as Russell outdueled Victoria on the glass 38-18 including 16 offensive boards.  Josh Sohm who was held scoreless by the Knights led the way with 10 rebounds including five on offense.  

Russell (3-4, 0-2 Mid-Continent League) returns to league play on Tuesday evening as the Broncos and Lady Broncos will play host to Smith Center in the final tune-up before the MCL Tournament. 

Tip-off for the Girls game will be at 6 p.m. with the Boys to follow. Both games can be heard on AM 990/98.1 FM KRSL and streamed on KRSL.com