The Cotter Ramblers (0-1, 0-0) looked tough in the first game of the season despite falling 58-47 to Lake City (1-0, 0-0).

Last night, one of the referees told head coach Tom Zukowski that “[this] is one of the toughest Cotter teams he’d seen in five years.”

“We had great effort. We have to work on limiting turnovers and taking care of the ball. 11 turnovers in the first half is too much. Proud of our effort tonight,” Zukowski said.

Lake City senior Brady Kuchinka led all scorers, dropping 26 points. Last year, Kuchinka was listed on the Northstar Hoops Report state all-Junior team (sixth team). Cotter senior Jonah Spiten led the Ramblers with 18 points. Seniors Kevin Rivers and Hunter Andre also added 7 points.

The Ramblers struggled from the free throw line, going 7/14 on the freebies.

Cotter returns to action tonight at 7:30 PM in La Crescent (0-1, 0-1) before Thanksgiving break. Lake City hosts another Three Rivers opponent, Chatfield at 7:15 PM.

TONIGHT’S AREA GAMES

Second team listed is home team

Cotter (0-1, 0-0) vs. La Crescent (0-1, 0-1)

Chatfield (1-0, 1-0) vs. #7 Lake City (1-0, 0-0)

#5 Caledonia (0-0, 0-0) vs. Fillmore Central (0-0, 0-0)

Dover-Eyota (0-1, 0-0) vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville (0-1, 0-1)

Lewiston-Altura (1-0, 1-0) vs. #3 Rushford-Peterson (0-0, 0-0)

Wabasha-Kellogg (1-0, 1-0) vs. St. Charles (2-0, 1-0)