The Struggle
Mar 23, 2015
Ishmael El-Amin, sophomore, plays defense in the state quarterfinal game against Lakeville North.
The Royals lost their next two games after Coffey’s injury against Shakopee and Iowa City West. Both were double-digit losses in which the Royals never had a chance to win. It was the first two-game losing streak for the Royals since the 2012-13 season.
After a few easy wins, the Royals ran into a strong Maple Grove team. The Royals were far behind at halftime but rallied in the second half to tie the game. In the end, Maple Grove won by six. That loss marked a turning point in the season.
“We had to change the way we were playing. We needed different kids step up. I thought they came together pretty well [after the loss to Maple Grove],” Novak said.