Austin Packers boys basketball team downed by Rochester John Marshall 67-51 in 2023-2024 season opener Thursday evening

The Austin Packers boys basketball team was on the road in Rochester to open the 2023-2024 season Thursday night versus the John Marshall Rockets in the Big 9 Conference, and it was the Rockets pulling away in the second half to down the Packers 67-51.

The game was knotted at 28-28 at the half, and while Austin sank 10 3-pointers to four for John Marshall, the Rockets had a decided advantage at the free throw line, where they were 21 for 38 compared to 5 for 12 for the Packers.  Cole Hebrink led Austin in scoring Thursday evening, as he drained seven of the squad’s 10 3’s on his way to 23 points, Isaac Osgood was also in double figures with 11 points, Mikah Christopherson swished a pair of 3’s for six points, Dakota Retterath also tallied six points, Jackson Clausman finished with three points,and Peyton Ransom added two points in the loss.

The 0-1 Packers are back into action next Tuesday evening for their home opener versus the Albert Lea Tigers, with the varsity tip-off at Packer Gym at 7:30 p.m.