Boys basketball victory marred by Coffey injury

  • Vinnie Shahid, junior, shooting a free throw during Tuesday’s 89-69 win over Burnsville.

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  • Vinnie Shahid, junior, getting ready to pass in the ball during Tuesday’s 89-69 win over Burnsville.

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  • The team huddles up before Tuesday’s 89-69 win over Burnsville.

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  • John Warren, senior, and Parker Beak, do their pre-game handshake before Tuesday’s 89-69 win over Burnsville.

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  • Royal’s starters take the floor before Tuesday’s 89-69 win over Burnsville.

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  • Amir Coffey, senior, adjusting his shoe during Tuesday’s 89-69 win over Burnsville.

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Amir Coffey's dunk during Tuesday's 89-69 win.

Ben Segelbaum, Sports Blogger
Dec 3, 2014

Coming in with a .500 (1-1) record on the season, the Royals got their mojo back with a 89-69 win over Burnsville.

But all people were talking about following the win was the injury of Amir Coffey, junior, five minutes in the second half. Coffey came down hard after a rebound attempt and held his lower leg, but got up to limp off the court. Midway through the half, fans saw Coffey leaving Lindbergh Center on crutches.

Per team source, Coffey has a deep bone bruise, sprained MCL, self healing fractures and a torn ACL. He will need to get surgery and is most likely out for the remainder of his junior season.

In the game itself, the Royals started off slow, trailing by 10 at one point. Every time the Royals tried to cut the lead down, a Blaze player would hit a three to extend the lead.

When Burnsville started missing shots, the Royals made their move.

Defensive rebounding led to baskets on the other end of the court and the Royals started cutting the lead.

Vinnie Shahid, junior, made a last-second shot to give the Royals a 42-39 halftime lead.

Without Coffey, the Royals powered through Burnsville in the second half, outscoring them by 17 points.

Now 2-1, the Royals look towards a much-anticipated matchup at Shakopee, the team the Royals needed four overtimes to beat last spring in the state semifinals. They will play that game on Thursday (12/4) and then take on a team from Iowa City on Saturday night (12/6) at the Lindbergh Center.