Boys basketball wins home opener
Chuck Miller, Winona Daily News
Talyn Gilbertson goes in for a layup vs Fillmore Central
After a disappointing road game to start the season, the boys basketball team responded with a home convincing win in their home opener to even their record.
Cotter defeated Fillmore Central 64-49. Talyn Gilbertson had 16 points, Connor Yocum had 14 and Laken Macal and Ethan Glodowski each had 10, to put four Ramblers in double figures.
The team started their season with a loss to Lanesboro ‘Burros’on Tuesday, December 4, The game did not go as the team expected. One contributing factor to the 49-31 loss were the 25 turnovers the Ramblers committed.
The defeat did not diminish the team’s determination
“We are just getting the rust out” said, senior Talyn Gilbertson.
“The first game stunk. We learned a lot though. 90% of our team is new to varsity.” Laken Macal, senior center, said.
The team is getting used to the new key components of a new coach, and an almost, all new team.
The three seniors, Talyn Gilbertson, Laken Macal, and Jack Gardner, will all be counted to make contributions at both ends of the floor.
Along with Gilbertson and Macal, junior Ethan Glodowski will round out the front court and Joey Renk and sophomores Connor Yocum and Cale Beckman will be counted on to add depth in the backcourt.
One challenge the team is facing is the loss of Charlie Reilly who would have been key player.
Reilly tore his ACL during the first football game and will miss the season, leaving a gap in the scoring and rebounding departments. He wishes he could play with his teammates this year, but is excited to see how this season goes.
New coach Dan Messman is challenging the team this season, with new plays and a strong presence on the court.
“Our coach is very hard core, and his stare? Well, it’s intimidating.”, said Macal.
Apparently the stare is working as the team responded with a strong game against Fillmore Central on Friday, December 7, 2018. The game was well fought, and they earned the win that night.
“We hope to have better shooting, and to get used to playing together.” said, juniors, Ethan Glodowski and Jake Mueller.
The Boy’s record is 1-2. Their next game is in La Crescent at 7:00 on December 14, 2018.
