The Albert Lea Elks eighth-grade traveling boys’ basketball team has played in two tournaments so far, finishing first at Blooming Prairie and third at Faribault.

In game one at Blooming Prairie the locals defeated Rochester Lourdes 37-23.

Scoring Albert Lea were Jonathan Bosma and Richie Needham with seven points each, Louie Grossman six, Jared Matson five, Sasha Marinin and Jordan Hanson four, and Jacob Winkels three.

Next was against a strong Faribault Bethlehem Academy team that played a zone defense the whole game.

It was close throughout, with BA up 8-7 after one quarter, a 16-16 tie at halftime and a 27-27 deadlock at the end of the third period.

Albert Lea took over in the fourth, winning 34-32.

Scoring leaders: Grossman 12 points, Bosma 11, Jacob Winkels five, Hanson four, and Matson two.

The third game was against Blooming Prairie.

After the first period the score was tied and, at halftime, Albert Lea led 19-12. It was 30-18 entering the fourth, and Albert Lea held on to win 34-32.

Scoring were Grossman with eight points, Hanson five, Matt Hockinson five, Needham four, Winkels four, Josh Klapperick three, Bosma three, and Evan Nolander two.

“The team is playing a strong man-to-man defense and is playing team ball,” said Coach Bosma.

At Faribault, the Elks team topped Lourdes 34-33 in the opening round as Matson made the winning basket with 10 seconds left on an in-bound play.

The locals lost game two 68-36 to Northfield.

It was a rematch with Northfield for third place and, this time, Albert Lea rallied for a 37-34 victory.

In the teams third game they played another Northfield team for 3rd place in the tournament.

The Albert Lea team lead 14-10 after the first period. Northfield lead at the half 21-18 and 32-25 after the third period.

Scoring in the tournament: Bosma 26 points, Hockinson 16, Grossman 15, Matson 14, Evan Nolander 12, Jordan Hanson nine, Jacob Winkels eight, Sasha Marinin five, and Richie Needham two.

“Every member of the team did a good job,” said Coach Bosma.

The record for the Elks 8th-grade boys’ squad stands at 5-1.