ROGERS — The Brainerd Warriors turned the tide on Saturday, December 13, overcoming a nine-point halftime deficit to secure a 71-63 victory against the Rogers Royals in the Section 8-4A basketball matchup. This win improved Brainerd’s season record to 3-1.
Trailing 42-33 at the half, Brainerd displayed resilience in the second half, outscoring Rogers 38-21. Key to this comeback was the performance of junior guard Grant Johnson, who led his team with 25 points and contributed five rebounds. His scoring prowess was complemented by Preston Bernander, who added 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including three successful 3-pointers from five attempts.
The Warriors intensified their defense in the second half, limiting Rogers to just 5-of-19 from beyond the arc. In contrast, Brainerd capitalized on their opportunities, hitting 17 of 29 free throws for a success rate of 58.6%. Luke Merseth also made a notable contribution, finishing with nine points and converting five free throws.
Brainerd’s ability to adapt and execute in the second half was crucial. While Rogers initially built a solid lead, their performance waned as the game progressed. The Royals’ struggles were evident as they attempted only ten free throws throughout the game, contrasting sharply with Brainerd’s aggressive approach at the line.
The final score reflected Brainerd’s determination and tactical adjustments made during halftime. The team will next face St. Cloud Tech on Tuesday, December 16, at 19:15, as they look to build on this momentum.
The complete statistics for the game show Brainerd shooting 42.9% from the field (24-of-56), while Rogers finished at 38.4%. The Warriors’ performance in the second half demonstrated their capability to rally under pressure, a quality that will serve them well in upcoming matches.
