Solen takes down Cossacks
By STU MERRY
The Max Cossacks are playing for pride tonight (Thursday) night at the Region 5 Tournament in Bismarck.
The Cossacks began the tourney on a high note Monday, disposing of Standing Rock 69-54. Max is the only District 10 team that advanced to semifinal play.
Fresh off a strong performance, Tuesday’s game against Solen was a complete opposite as the Sioux prevailed 64-43.
Max struggled against the Sioux. The Cossacks seemed out-of sorts, shooting only 4-20 from the field in the first half. Max also committed 11 turnovers that Solen transformed into 12 points. At the half, Max trailed by 16, 30-14. After three, the deficit was up to 22, 46-24, Solen.
Though Max tried to cut into the lead the fourth quarter belonged to the Lester boys from Solen, Baylee and Damon. For every shot Max made, it was answered by three-point shots from the Lesters. Baylee drained five, while Damon added four.
Solen put a cap on Max’s Keegan Swanson, holding the senior standout to eight points. Monday, Keegan canned 31.
In Monday’s tournament opener, the Cossacks battled the Standing Rock Warriors tooth and nail early, leading 29-27 at intermission. With Max continuing to lead, the Warriors went on a run off turnovers and fast breaks, tying the game at 43 at the 2-minute mark. Jade Larson called a time out. It made s difference. Max closed out the quarter on an 8-0 run and led 51-43.
