Sports News

Hillsboro struggled in its opening game of the 2007-2008 boys basketball season, losing to Richland, 68-51, Monday night at Colfax.

The Burros, coached by Elliot Rotvold, play at Cavalier Tuesday night. Hillsboro’s first home game of the year is next Thursday (Dec. 20) against MayPort-CG.

Rotvold is starting his 11th year as coach of the Burros. He has 209 career wins.

The Burros have been practicing with less than a full team.

Aaron Meyer, who had shoulder surgery, isn’t expected to start practice until the middle of January, at the earliest. Brian Smelden and Bill Breen recently joined the team after undergoing same-day surgeries on their hands. The three veteran players were each injured at the end of the high school football season.

Josh Mayo, meanwhile, is sidelined with a sprained ankle.

“It’s been a struggle,” admitted Rotvold.

The Burros are counting heavily on Meyer and Smelden, projected starters after last year’s 7-14 season. Breen and Mayo will see a lot of minutes, according to Rotvold.

At Colfax Monday, Rotvold went largely with seniors Jake Olsen, Billy Otto and Smelden, junior Jamie Horne and sophomore Zach Grothmann.

Horne scored 19 points Monday night. Grothamann added 14 points.

“We struggled defensively,” Rotvold said. “Richland had far too many lay-ups.”

The Burros, which forced Richland into 24 turnovers, were guilty of 20 T-Os.

The 17-point loss “showed” the Burros what they have to work on, Rotvold explained.

“Richland exploited our weaknesses. Fortunately, we have time to figure these things out.”

The Burros have five practices before their game at Cavalier Tuesday.

“The guys were disappointed with the way they played at Colfax. We didn’t show what we’re capable of.”

Practicing and playing with a full contingent of players will help, Rotvold concedes,

“Having everyone back full-time will help. We’ve been missing players. We’ll be a better team.”

The Burros scored 9 points in the first quarter at Colfax and just 8 in the second quarter to trail at halftime, 26-17. Richland outscored Hillsboro 42-34 in the second half.

Aaron Meyer and Jamie Horne are returning starters for the Burros. Jake Olsen, who missed 15 games last year with a broken foot, was a starter when not sidelined. Smelden and Grothmann are starting perimeter players for Rotvold. Billy Otto, Josh Mayo, Jake Waters and Mikkel Anderson round out Hillsboro’s varsity roster.

Elliot Rotvold’s team has been projected to finish high in District 3 this year. Dakota Prairie and Hatton-Northwood have been pegged as the teams to beat in the district.

“It’ll be a balanced league,” tells Rotvold.

Hillsboro’s experience is on par with both Dakota Prairie and Hatton-Northwood. The Burros’ height, however, is working against them. Jake Olsen, at 6-foot, is the tallest Burro starter.