Victory over Panthers keeps DL atop Mid-State standings

Tate Kerzman’s 3-pointer to end the half started a 10-0 run that gave Detroit Lakes the lead for good in a 72-61 Mid-State Conference victory over the Park Rapids boys basketball team at the Century School gym on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The Lakers extended a 28-25 halftime lead to 35-25 before both teams traded baskets the rest of the way in this game that was originally postponed because of bad weather on Jan. 17.

Max Gunderson scored a game-high 23 points while Kerzman (14), Gabe Hanninen (10), Reed Mace (9) and Drew Markuson (9) paced a balanced scoring attack for the Lakers, who stayed atop the Mid-State standings by improving to 4-0 in the conference and 6-7 overall.

Nick Michaelson had a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Panthers, who fell to 0-4 in conference play and 1-13 overall. Shawn Ohm (9) and Jason Haas (8) combined for 17 points while Kaiden Walsh and Noah Morris hit two 3-pointers and dished out four assists each. Morris also had three steals.

Following Detroit Lakes in the conference standings are Crosby-Ironton and Pequot Lakes with 3-1 records. Aitkin and Staples-Motley are both 1-3.

DETROIT LAKES: Gunderson 23, Kerzman 14, Hanninen 10, Mace 9, Markuson 9, Oistad 4, Cihak 3.

PARK RAPIDS: Hartig 0 0-0 0, Haas 3 0-0 8, Arola 3 0-2 6, Walsh 2 1-3 7, Yliniemi 1 0-0 2, H. Brandt 0 0-0 0, Michaelson 10 1-2 21, K. Brandt 1 0-0 2, Ohm 3 2-3 9, Morris 2 0-0 6. Totals: 25 for 55 (FG), 4 for 10 (FT).

Halftime: Detroit Lakes 28, Park Rapids 25. Three-pointers: Haas 2, Walsh 2, Ohm 1, Morris 2. Rebounds: Park Rapids 34 (Michaelson 10, Arola 6, K. Brandt 5, Haas 3, Walsh 2, Yliniemi 2, Ohm 2, Morris 2, Hartig 1, H. Brandt 1). Assists: Park Rapids 16 (Walsh 4, Morris 4, H. Brandt 2, Haas 1, Arola 1, Yliniemi 1, Michaelson 1, K. Brandt 1, Ohm 1). Steals: Park Rapids 7 (Morris 3, Haas 2, Walsh 1, Michaelson 1). Blocked shots: Park Rapids 4 (Haas 2, Michaelson 2). Team fouls: Park Rapids 17. Turnovers: Park Rapids 18.