Mines cruises to easy victory

By Jim Holland, Journal Sports Writer | Saturday, November 25, 2006

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RAPID CITY - South Dakota Mines' taller inside line-up more than overcame the speed of Haskell Indian Nations University, leading the Hardrockers to a 92-73 win over the Fightin' Indians in the nightcap of the US Bank Thanksgiving Classic at Mines' Goodell Gymnasium Friday night.

Post player Casey Schmitz, a 6-7 senior, led five 'Rockers in double figures with 19 points.

Guards Brandon Lord and Jace Sullivan added 14 and 12 points, respectively, with 6-7 senior reserve Brandon Fredrickson tallying 11 and 6-6 wing Donny DeGooyer chipping in 10.

Mines dominated the lane, outshooting Haskell on 50 percent shooting (19 of 38) and a 19-14 rebounding edge en route to a 45-32 cushion at the half.

Mines maintained the marksmanship in the second half, finishing at 50 percent for the game on 33 of 66 shooting.

Haskell kept the Hardrockers within sight with 6 of 11 from three-point range, but an overall 12 of 29 (41 percent) and 14 first-half turnovers harried the Indians' effort.

Mines finished with a 39-31 edge in rebounding. Schmitz led the Rockers on the boards with eight.

"We knew we had a height advantage, and we took advantage of it both on offense and defense," said Mines coach Jason Henry.

"We knew their height was their strength," said Haskell coach Jamie Morrison. "We did a good job of staying with them for a while, but they're relentless on the boards, and when you can't get those second and third shots, it's hard to generate points."

Haskell, 1-7, was led by senior Wacy Weeks, at 6-5 the tallest member of the Indians' roster, with 16 points, and 8 rebounds.

Kirk Brown tossed in 15, and Ryan Brown added 10.

The Indians were 10 of 25 from three-point land. Jamison King's 9 points all came from beyond the arc. Donavan Begay was 3 of 6 from the perimeter as well.

Haskell led in the category they least wanted to, with 26 turnovers

"We can shoot, but again it was turnovers, turnovers, turnovers," Morrison said. "This was our worst game of the year tonight, and we'll have to have a better game (tonight).

Haskell plays Black Hills State today at 4 p.m. at Goodell Gym, with the Hardrockers, 4-3, taking on Johnson and Wales of Denver in the Classic finale at 6 p.m.