Hornets to host NYM on Saturday

Asher Blaine looks to drive to the basket during a recent home game.

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

The Frazee Hornets dropped three games last week, but in each game the Hornets had a chance to snap their losing streak and come out on the right side of the final score.

On Tuesday the Hornets fell to Perham by a score of 63-52, before falling to Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton on Friday by a score of 69-52. On Saturday Frazee fell to Thief River Falls by a score of 59-51 to fall to 3-10 on the season.

This week the Hornets will travel to Crookston on Tuesday, Breckenridge on Thursday and will host New York Mills on Saturday afternoon as part of the Hornets, Hoops and Hope event. 

Tuesday

The Frazee Hornets had upset on their mind on Tuesday night as they looked to pick up their first win against the Perham Yellowjackets since 2015. After staying close for much of the first half, a late run by the Yellowjackets saw them get out to a 33-24 lead at halftime. 

Carter Sonnenberg drives the ball down the court during a recent game in Frazee.

That lead got pushed to double digits for much of the second half, before Frazee went on a late run down the stretch to get within striking distance, but eventually running out of time as they fell to Perham by a score of 63-52. 

One of the big differences in the game came in the paint as Perham held a 36-26 advantage on the boards, which led to 24 points in the paint for the Yellowjackets and a 7-2 advantage in second chance points.

Despite the disappointing loss, head coach Ryan Vigen said the group will get ready to get back to work the next day at practice. 

“I know the boys weren’t happy about our performance tonight, but I also know this group will be ready to get after it in practice tomorrow,” he said. 

The Hornets were led by Asher Blaine with 14 points, while Alex Helmers scored 12 points, Adam Vigen scored 11 points and Carter Sonnenberg scored 10 points. 

Frazee vs. Perham

January 16, 2024

POINTS: Asher Blaine 14, Adam Vigen 11, Cael Pausch 2, Drew Mekalson 2, Alex Helmers 12, Nathan Longfors 1, Carter Sonnenberg 10

ASSISTS: Asher Blaine 1, Adam Vigen 5, Alex Helmers 1, Nathan Longfors 1, Carter Sonnenberg 2

REBOUNDS: Asher Blaine 2, Adam Vigen 3, Cael Pausch 1, Drew Mekalson 1, Alex Helmers 2, Nathan Longfors 4, Carter Sonnenberg 5, Logan Brekke 4

STEALS: Adam Vigen 4, Alex Helmers 2, Carter Sonnenberg 1

Blocks: Alex Helmers 1, Carter Sonnenberg 2

Thursday

Frazee turned the ball over 27 times and went just 4-25 from behind the 3-point line as they fell to DGF by a score of 69-52 on Thursday night. The Hornets trailed by a score of 36-28 at halftime and trailed by double digits for much of the second half. 

One big difference than their previous game against the Yellowjackets came on the boards as the Hornets held a 42-33 advantage in rebounding.

Asher Blaine had a solid night from the field as he finished with 16 points to lead the way. Carter Sonnenberg finished with a team high 13 rebounds. 

Frazee vs. Dliworth-Glyndon-Felton

January 19, 2024

POINTS: Asher Blaine 16, Adam Vigen 7, Cael Pausch 2, Drew Mekalson 2, Alex Helmers 8, Nathan Longfors 6, Carter Sonnenberg 7, Logan Brekke 4

ASSISTS: Asher Blaine 2, Adam Vigen 3, Alex Helmers 2, Carter Sonnenberg 2, Ayden Grossman 1

REBOUNDS: Asher Blaine 4, Adam Vigen 4, Cael Pausch 6, Alex Helmers 7, Nathan Longfors 6, Carter Sonnenberg 13, Logan Brekke 1

STEALS: Asher Blaine 6, Adam Vigen 1, Carter Sonnenberg 2, Logan Brekke 1

BLOCKS: Alex Helmers 1, Carter Sonnenberg 1

Saturday

After trailing by double digits for much of the first half, the Frazee Hornets not only outscored the Thief River Falls Prowlers, but took a late lead before falling by a score of 59-51 on Saturday. 

The Hornets did a great job of taking care of the ball on Saturday as they forced 22 Prowler turnovers, while giving the ball away just 15 times themselves. Frazee’s solid defensive play led a comeback effort as they forced 16 steals and finished with 23 deflections.

Carter Sonnenberg led the way with 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Asher Blaine finished with 15 points. Adam Vigen had 6 steals and 9 deflections in the loss.

Frazee vs. Thief River Falls

January 20, 2024

POINTS: Asher Blaine 15, Adam Vigen 8, Cael Pausch 3, Drew Mekalson 1, Alex Helmers 2, Nathan Longfors 3, Carter Sonnenberg 19

ASSISTS: Asher Blaine 1, Adam Vigen 4, Cael Pausch 2, Drew Mekalson 1, Nathan Longfors 1, Carter Sonnenberg 1, Logan Brekke 1

REBOUNDS: Asher Blaine 6, Adam Vigen 3, Cael Pausch 3, Drew Mekalson 4, Nathan Longfors 1, Carter Sonnenberg 9, Logan Brekke 1

STEALS: Asher Blaine 3, Adam Vigen 6, Drew Mekalson 4, Carter Sonnenberg 3

BLOCKS: Noah Mekalson 1