#1 Goodhue Too Much for #3 Rushford-Peterson as the Trojans Fall in Section Title Game

Cayden Lea Runs Offense for RP: Photo Craig Johnson

(KWMN)- A late surge wasn’t enough for the #3 Rushford-Peterson Trojans to topple the #1 Goodhue Wildcats in the section final game as they fell 84-79 for their fifth straight loss to Goodhue in the section tournament, and their second straight loss when meeting in the section final

Goodhue controlled the game early, holding a slim lid that was exasperated by star sophomore for the Trojans, Cayden Lea, leaving the game in the first half due to a cut above his eye. For Goodhue, Luke Roschen was near unstoppable, scoring 25 of his whopping 42 points in the first half. At the break, Goodhue led 40-30.

With Lea’s return, the Trojans were able to hold serve with Goodhue through the second half. Will Lafluer stepped up in a big way, scoring 22 points in the game, with Jaxson Meldahl coming off the bench for 17. Still, the Trojans couldn’t break through. The Goodhue lead swayed from 12, down to eight, and then back up to 12 for the bulk of the second 18-minute half.

It wasn’t until late that the Trojans found a chance. In the final four minutes of the game, the deficit was still 12 points. A run from the Trojans changed that, coupled with defensive stops, turnovers, and some big-time shots, the run brought the lead all the way down to just two points in the final moments.

Lefleur Steps Back for Three: Photo: Craig Johnson

At 81-79, the Trojans needed a stop. Goodhue’s Luke Roschen–because who else–was the one to deliver the dagger on an easy lay-in that made the game two possessions. The Trojans missed their ensuing three-point miracle heave, as Goodhue followed with free throws to ice the game.

Goodhue advances to their second straight state tournament, while the Trojans will have to wait for another chance one year from now.

There were two keys that made this contest end the way it did. Shot making, and rebounding. The Trojans had no answer defensively for Luke Roschen, who at one point in the game, made three consecutive triples to jumpstart a run for Goodhue. The size discrepancy showed as well, as Goodhue was able to garner second-chance bucket after second-chance bucket. It was the shot making that let down the Trojans as well.

The usual suspects from deep, Cole Thompson, Cayden Lea and Will Lafleur just couldn’t find the bottom of the bucket for the majority of the game. To beat a team like Goodhue, they knew they had to hit their open looks–for whatever reason, they weren’t falling.

Thompson Takes Corner Three: Photo Criag Johnson

The positive–this Trojan team is young and have no plans of going anywhere. The lone senior they’ll lose will be Caden Johnson. Which will be a loss, no doubt about it, but they return juniors Meldahl and Lafleur, and aspiring sophomores, Lea, Thompson and Carson Johson. Coupled with the likes of Landon Dahl, Creighton Hoiness and more, it will mostly be the same team to take the hardwood this coming December.

The negative–Goodhue has the same luck. The Roschen’s (Luke, Michael, Owen), will all return, including star freshman Alex Loos, who scored 20 in last night’s game and led the team in scoring throughout the season.

Safe to say, this won’t be the only installment of the Section 1A final between Rushford-Peterson and Goodhue.

Tune into Upon Further Review later today, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to hear a conversation with Rushford-Peterson head coach, Chris Drinkall.