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Beulah BBB grinds out 52-39 victory over DLB

Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Beulah senior forward Jonah Larson goes up for a layup in the third quarter of Tuesday night's game against Des Lacs-Burlington in Des Lacs. The Miners earned a 52-39 victory.

DES LACS — Jonah Larson would not quit.

The Beulah Miners (5-3) kept pounding the ball inside to their senior forward during Tuesday night’s game against Des Lacs-Burlington (4-2). The big man rewarded his teammates with consistent baskets in Tuesday’s 52-39 win.

“Obviously, I’m not the greatest shooter,” said Larson, who tied for the team-high with 16 points. “I’ve got to get my buckets being a big man. I’ve been working all summer on using my left hand so I can start going to the left side. I’ve been working on that. I can switch it up so I’m not so easy to guard.”

The contest proved to be a defensive struggle early on. DLB built an early 17-10 advantage, but Beulah nursed a 27-24 lead before the break.

Both teams penetrated the lane. Beulah, in particular, favored an inside-out approach.

“To stay in games with better teams, we really have to work together,” Larson said. “Move the ball, especially. And then battle hard on the offensive glass. That’s the biggest thing. We work very hard and we run fast.”

In the second half, Beulah activated its defensive clamps. In turn, the Miners ramped up their offensive efficiency.

Strong entry passes created ample scoring opportunities for Larson. The Miners hustled for the 50-50 balls and showed fervor in the game’s latter stages.

“When teams have to concentrate on (Larson), it opens things up so much more for other guys,” Beulah head coach Jeremy Brandt said. “We try to emphasize that to our kids every night. I think our kids are seeing the benefits of utilizing (Larson). It makes it easier for them.”

Despite making just one 3-pointer, the Miners connected on 24 2-point attempts. DLB attempted a few late shots from behind the arc, but the Lakers ultimately fell short.

“I thought our guards did a really nice job of feeding our post players in good spots where they could catch and score,” Brandt said. “We’ve got some young kids, and we’ve only got a couple of kids with a lot of varsity experience out there. They’re learning, and it’s another good step forward for us.”

DLB senior forward Jacob Burleson led the Lakers with 15 points. Burleson finished with the Lakers’ lone double-figure scoring total, but senior guard Will Pearson added eight points.

“We’re learning that we have to be tougher and more consistent down the stretch,” DLB bead coach Tyler Ystaas said. “I’m glad we got to play Beulah tonight. I know they were going to show us some things. They’re always a tough, disciplined defensive team. They’ve got a good inside-outside presence, so you’ve really got to play a balanced defense.”

Both teams will hit the road for their next games. DLB will travel to Rugby (5-0) for a 7 p.m. contest on Thursday, while Beulah will face Shiloh Christian (6-0) at 7 p.m. on Friday.

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter

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