Sabre boys’ basketball reports on mid-season

Isaac Bergstrom, Journalist • January 6, 2025

Junior varsity coach Nick Koubsky gave words of advice to players. (Photo used with permission from Grant Privratsky)

The Sartell boys’ basketball is 1/3 of the way through the season and their record sits at 5-4. The Sabres started off strong with a 3-0 start and had some tough battles following those games. Sartell’s 3-0 start marks the first time they have accomplished this since the 2021-2022 season. The Sabre’s scoring has been lead by the strong junior duo of Bennett Bommersbach and Maddox Lewis each averaging over 10 points per game.

Junior point guard Bennett Bommersbach dribbled the ball up the court. (Photo used with permission of Angie Heckman)

Senior guard Jalen Schumann walked toward play during a dead ball. (Photo used with permission from Grant Privratsky)

Senior forward George Durrwachter dribbled between his legs versus Tech. (Photo used with permission from Grant Privratsky)

Willmar

The Willmar Cardinals traveled to Sartell High School on Tuesday, December 10th. Willmar started their season off with a loss against the Sauk Rapids Storm. Sartell dominated for the entire game starting off hot with a pair of Maddox Lewis threes. It all snowballed from there as the Sabres’ efforts on both ends brought them to a first-half lead of 38-14. 14 points in a half is the least points the Sabres have let up in a half this season. Sartell’s offense was also on fire this game despite the absence of senior captain Jalen Schumann. The Sabres junior duo of Lewis and Bommersbach stayed active combining for 42 points. Sartell emptied the bench at the end of the game as 18 players checked into the game. Junior guard Brady Thompson scored 5 points including his first varsity points and junior center Logan Ohara also scored his first varsity points.

Senior forward Andrew Tavale defended a player on the Tech Tigers. (Photo used with permission from Grant Privratsky)

Junior forward Isaac Bergstrom looked at the scoreboard in the game versus Tech. (Photo used with permission from Grant Privratsky)

Junior guard Bennett Bommersbach brought the ball up the court. (Photo used with permission from Grant Privratsky)

Senior guard Brayden Simones prepared to shoot a free throw. (Photo used with permission from Grant Privratsky)

Senior center Andrew Nelson high-fived teammates as he checked out of the game. (Photo used with permission from Grant Privratsky)

Senior guard Levi Frieler looks into the crowd in the game vs Willmar. (Photo used with permission from Grant Privratsky)

Junior forward Matthew Schreiner prepared to inbound the ball to a teammate. (Photo used with permission from Grant Privratsky)

Bennett Bommersbach and Brayden Simones played defense against the Willmar Cardinals. (Photo used with permission from Grant Privratsky)

Sophomore guard Karson Lewis walked down the court in the game vs Willmar. (Photo used with permission from Grant Privratsky)

Elk River

For the second game of the Granite City Classic, the Sabres faced off against the Elk River Elks at St. John’s University’s Sexton Arena. Sartell ended Elk River’s season last year in the playoffs with a final score of 57-54. This was an exciting matchup as the Elks were hunting for their first win of the year, and the Sabres were looking to go 2-0 over the holiday break. Sartell took control of the game early as some of the Elk’s starters got in foul trouble. Elk River fought back throughout the rest of the first half and kept a lead through the rest of the game ending with a final score of 46-49. The Elk’s efforts were led by Jackson Boll who grabbed 18 rebounds. Sophomore David Balisidya led the Elks in scoring with 13 points

Detroit Lakes

Coming off of a tough loss, the Sabres are looking to get back in the win column. Detroit Lakes is the newest addition to the Central Lakes Conference, and Sartell was looking to welcome them. For the first time this season, the Sabres were completely healthy, having 10 guys play in the varsity game. From the tip, you could tell which team had better energy. Sartell led almost the whole first half and went into the second half up 15 points. Detroit Lakes made some runs in the second half but ultimately was not enough, ending with a final score of 89-74. The Sabres’ scoring was led by captain Maddox Lewis scoring 27 points. Sartell had 9 players in the scoring column and 4 players in double digits. With this win, Sartell advances their record to 5-4

Junior captain Maddox Lewis looked to pass to a teammate. (Photo used with permission from Grant Privratsky)

About the Contributor

Isaac Bergstrom, Junior Journalist

Favorite Hobby – Snowmobiling Sports – Golf and Basketball Favorite Color – Blue Favorite Food – Chipotle Favorite Music – Country

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Sabre boys’ basketball reports on mid-season