Huskies stifle Cougars in fourth straight win on Owatonna

OWATONNA — Ten minutes into its game against Mankato East, Owatonna had to throw out the original defensive gameplan.

The Huskies got into early foul trouble and had to all but scrap their full-court, man-to-man defense. Owatonna adjusted, committed only three turnovers, made clutch free throws and held on to defeat Mankato East 69-63 in Big Nine Conference boys basketball action Friday night at Owatonna High School.

“After 10 minutes we had to adjust to how the game was being reffed,” said Owatonna coach Josh Williams. “Our half-court press just wasn’t effective tonight. Plus when Tyler (Supalla) and Mitch (Hawkins) got in foul trouble, two of our best defenders, we just weren’t able to turn the ball over a lot.”

Owatonna only forced 18 turnovers, but made 92 percent (11-12) of its free throws in the second half. Mankato East pulled within 65-61 with one minute to go. Supalla, who struggled with fouls and missed shots most of the night, made four clutch free throws in the final 40 seconds. When Supalla went to the free-throw line for a one-and-one with 40 seconds left, he was 3-for-11 from the field and 0-1 from the free-throw line.

“Tyler’s one of our top shooters and the guy we want (at the free-throw line) at the end of the game,” Williams said. “He’s a great shooter and hit the shots we needed.”

Once again, Owatonna struggled on the boards. Mike Sebring grabbed seven rebounds, but East out-rebounded OHS 42-33.

“We got to keep working hard on the boards,” said senior Brian Wagner. “We all have to attack the boards, not just the big guys.”

Vaughn Thada led the Huskies with 20 points. He scored nine points during an 11-2 Owatonna run that gave the Huskies a 22-13 lead with 7:30 left in the first half.

Owatonna junior Collin Wencl picked up a steal at halfcourt and found Hawkins for a layup and the Huskies led 26-13 with 6:26 left in the first half.

Mankato East senior Alex Welter almost single-handily brought the Cougars back. He scored 12 first-half points and hit three 3-pointers during a 17-5 East run that pulled the Cougars within 31-30 with 1:20 left in the first half. Welter hit the floor hard right before halftime and did not return to the game.

Owatonna senior Paul Satterlund hit a 3-pointer while being fouled by East’s Jordan Benesh. Satturlund made the free throw, and the Huskies led 35-31 at the break.

East again pulled within one at 49-48 with eight minutes left, but a putback by Hawkins and five points from Thada increased the lead to 56-48 with 6:45 left.

Owatonna (2-0 Big Nine, 4-0 overall) will next play at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at New Prague (3-0 and ranked No. 7 in Class 3A). The Trojans have already defeated Mankato West and Rochester Mayo this season.

“We have played them a lot growing up and we know they are a tough team,” said Brian Wagner.

Owatonna scoring: Collin Wencl 0-2 0-0 0, Mitch Hawkins 2-3 2-4 6 (4 rebounds), Tyler Supalla 3-11 4-5 10, Mike Sebring 2-5 2-2 6 (7 rebounds), Vaughn Thada 6-12 6-7 20, Sheridan Skala 1-3 0-0 2, Matt Wagner 3-12 1-2 8, Paul Satterlund 2-8 2-3 8, Brian Wagner 3-4 2-2 8. 3-pointers: Supalla, Thada 2, Matt Wagner, Satterlund 2.

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