MN Academy for the Deaf Trojans Pull Away from Groves Academy Griffins

It would be a happy bus ride back to Faribault for Juan Salgado as he scored a game high 29 points to lead the Minnesota Academy for the Deaf Trojans to a 76-64 win over the Groves Academy Griffins Tuesday night in St. Louis Park.

Salgado would score four of the Trojans first six points to start the game until Max Bilcik put the Griffins on the board.  Groves Academy would go on a 5-0 run to take the lead.  Bilcik and Salgado would trade three pointers as the lead would change hands following ties at 11 and 14.  Bodden would heat up for the Griffins, scoring five straight points.  MSAD would get solid free throw shooting from Ryan Stumbo as he hit four consecutive free throw.  The Trojans would inch loser to the Griffins and had a chance to take the lead in the closing seconds of the first half.  However, Adam Rohde's shot bounced off the rim and Groves Academy led at halftime 36-35.

The second half would begin with a display of outstanding three point shooting as Sam Bondhus would hit four three pointers after a scoreless first half.  He would help MSAD pull ahead of Groves Academy.  But the Griffins would go on a 9-0 run that would bring them close.  Unfortunately, things would begin to fall apart for Groves Academy when Bilcik was assessed a technical foul that sent Jon Schmidt to the free throw line.  He would make both free throws and MSAD would convert free throw opportunities as the fouls started to pile up for the Griffins.  Bilcik would foul out of the game and Donovan Bradshaw was called for an intentional foul with :17.9 to go that sent Salgado to the free throw line where he would hit both shots and it would still be Trojan ball as Groves Academy couldn't get any closer to MSAD.

Other Trojans in double figures were Schmidt with 18 points, followed by Sam Bondhus and and Stumbo with 10.  Bodden led the Griffins with 26 points and Bilcik added 17.

Former major league pitcher Dana Kiecker was one of the game officials.  Kiecker, a native of Fairfax, MN played two seasons with the Boston Red Sox.

Both teams records are 5-5.  MSAD returns to action on Tuesday, January 16 as they head to Farmington to face the Christian Life Academy Hawks at 6 PM.  Groves Academy will host Lincoln International on Thursday, January 11 at 5 PM.