The Buffalo Boys’ Basketball team entered the 11th Annual Pat Sonju Memorial basketball game against the Moorhead Spuds on Saturday afternoon riding a 13 game winning streak.
The Pat Sonju game is played on the first Saturday in February every year, in honor of Pat Sonju who died in October 1999. Pat was a former player, and was the Head Coach of the Bison at the time of his death. Each year, two high school seniors that are affiliated with the Boys’ Basketball program receive a scholarship on behalf of the Pat Sonju Memorial scholarship. In the first 10 years of the scholarship, $60,000 has been raised, and $22,000 has been awarded to the recipients of the scholarship.
“It’s really a unique experience to be a part of” said Senior Basketball Captain J.P Begin. “It’s really an honor to be part of such a great tradition in memory of such a great person.”
The Bison came out flat to start the game, and the Spuds lead the Bison in a low scoring battle by six, 19-13, at the half. The Bison came out in the second half fired up and tied the game up at 22 just minutes into the second half. But the Moorhead Spuds tightened up defensively the rest of the way, and came out on top at the end of the game, winning 44-38.
Sophomore Aaron Lien led the Spuds with 17 points. While senior Andy Ortmann led the Bison with 9 points.
The loss snaps Buffalo’s 13 game winning streak.
Keith Lindsey sings the National Anthem wearing
his Pat Sonju Memorial Shirt before Saturday’s game.
Photo By Sarah Durst
