The Austin boys forced Byron into 20 turnovers in a 82-69 win Tuesday night in Packer gymnasium.
Austin was lead by junior Both Gach who scored a career high 34 points. Gach hit 6 three pointers and went 6 of 6 from the free throw line.
Austin lead the whole game, often by double digits. Byron was able to keep it close by making a few runs in each half.
Click Here for a link to the Austin Daily Herlad story about the game. The Packers are back in action Tuesday, Dec 13th at Mankato West.
The Packers put together a dominate second half to beat Stewartville 68-33 Wednesday night in Austin.
The Packers had plenty of good looks in the first half, but had a lot of easy shots rim-out. Despite missing a lot of close looks, Austin still held a five point lead at halftime. Austin picked up the defensive intensity in the second half only allowing 10 points after halftime.
Scoring for Austin – Both Gach 13, Jace Murray 12, Oman Oman 11, Duoth Gach 11, Mark Manyuon 10, Kyle Oberbroeckling 5, Pat Hagan 2, Jany Gash 2, Moses Issa 2.
Austin moves on to the section semi finals Saturday at the Rochester civic center. The Packers take on the #3 seed Northfield Raiders. Austin beat Northfield twice in the regular season in two close games. If you are planning on coming over be sure to leave early. Bernie Sanders is holding rally at the same time at the civic center and there is also a lot of construction.
Austin had three sophomores score in double figures in a 67-41 win on the road in Owatonna.
The Packers defense forced Owatonna into shooting under 25 percent with good team defense. Duoth Gach had 2 steals and a couple of huge dunks to spark the team. Both Gach did a bit of everything with 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Scoeing for Austin – Both Gach 17, Duoth Gach 10, Hebrink 10, Murray 7, Oberbroeckling 5, Manyuon 5, Andersen 5, Hagan 4, Oman 2, Coffey 2.
Austin will host a first round section game Wednesday night.
The Packers jumped all over Byron to lead 20-4 early but had to hold on at the end winning 59-58.
Austin started the game forcing turnovers and getting good looks against the Bears. But after holding a 16 point lead early in the game Byron clawed within 5 at the half.
The second half Byron chipped away at the lead. Oman Oman hit a huge 3 with under two minutesto play to put the Packers up 5. Unfortunely those were the ladt points Austin would score. The Packers had multiple chances from the line to extend the lead but weren’t able to connect. With 6 seconds left Oman and Murray were able to tip the rebound and Austin came up with the loose ball to end the game.
Scoring for Austin – Duoth Gach 16, Murray 11, Oman 8, Manyuon 8, Hebrink 6, Oberbroeckling 4, Both Gach 4, Coffey 2.
Austin’s last regular season game is tomorrow night in Owatonna.
The Packer boys used pressure defense and hot shooting to blow out Albert Lea 88-58 on Tuesday night. Both Gach lead Austin with 21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.
Austin’s press forced The Tigers into 24 turnovers which Austin often turned into run out dunks and layups. Everyone saw the floor as the game was well in hand early in the second half.
Scoring for Austin – Both Gach 21, Duoth Gach 11, Hebrink 10, Oman 8, Coffey 8, Manyuon 8, Murray 6, Oberbroeckling 4, Andersen 4, Hagan 2, Brown 2, Synaground 2, Gash 2.
Austin plays in Byron Thursday night and then in Owatonna Friday night.
Packer Fast Break Club 