Glen Strandberg
Sports Editor

Not everything went right in Forest Lake’s season-opener at Como Park last Saturday afternoon, but the boys basketball team did do enough of the little things to earn a 60-54 victory.

The Rangers were a bit shaky after tip-off and fell behind early; allowed the Cougars’ Steven Baker to score 25 points; and were out-rebounded on the day.

 
TOP KOPP: During last Saturday’s win at Como Park, senior Brad Kopp led the Rangers in scoring with 16 points.

But Forest Lake head coach Dan Cremisino was able to get solid contributions from his entire line-up, and watched his boys quickly turn the game around. At the end of the first half it was the Rangers who were in the lead, by the score of 35-27.

Helping that surge was a defense that would collect 15 steals off of traps and consistent pressure, and a group of shooters who would go 23-for-29 from the free throw line.

The 6’1” Baker would find his points in transition and through offensive rebounds, which Cremisino felt was a result of his squad not getting back on defense.

What did work was the Rangers’ double-team on Como Park center Greg Morse, who would finish the afternoon with just 10 points.

The game was still in question with about two minutes to go, when senior Brad Kopp  knocked down a big three-pointer to put Forest Lake up for good.

“We hit free throws to close out the game and made stops,” Cremisino said. “I thought our depth wore them down a little.”

Kopp was the leading scorer for the Rangers, wrapping up with 16 points. Teammate Ryan Brown had 10, as they were the only two Forest Lake players to finish in double figures. Griffin Lentsch chipped in with seven, while Ty Cremisino and Zach Riedeman each had six points.

“We can play better but for a first game it was pretty good,” Cremisino said.

The boys were at Blaine on Tuesday night, before hosting Coon Rapids for their home opener on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

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