Warrior boys 2nd at Cougar Classic
Staff writer
Four of five county boys teams competed in the Cougar Classic in Centre over the weekend while Hillsboro played host at its own tournament.
Marion
The Warriors finished as runners-up Saturday, falling 56-41 to Rural Vista in the championship game.
Marion beat Herington 61-29 and Douglass 62-39 before losing to Rural Vista.
“I thought the boys played well throughout the tournament,” coach Kevin Dasenbrock said. “We learned a lot about ourselves and what we really can do when we play our style of play.”
In the game against Rural Vista, Jordy Raymer scored 11, Luke Wessel scored 8, and Kadon Mercer and Isaac Wesner scored 7 each.
“I am proud of them and glad they got to experience a championship game and that type of atmosphere,” Dasenbrock said.
With six games left this season, the Warriors will hit the road Friday to play Council Grove.
Hillsboro
The Trojans fell just short of a third-place finish in their own tournament, losing a closely contested game 53-49 against Holcomb on Saturday.
Hillsboro started off the tournament with a 61-28 victory against Remington but lost to Hesston on Friday 58-40, leading to a Saturday game against Holcomb.
Lincoln Wichert and Easton Shahan scored 13 points each. Noah Beavers scored 10.
“We were able to battle with some great teams throughout the week,” coach Kyle Kroeker said. “The Trojan Classic field was full of great talent and during these tough games we continue to improve. We are looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Hillsboro will be back in action at home Friday against Minneapolis.
Peabody-Burns
The Warriors finished fourth after losing 58-48 to Douglass on Saturday in the Cougar Classic.
Peabody-Burns started off with a victory over Centre 65-54 but lost to Rural Vista 73-25 on Friday and Douglass on Saturday.
The Warriors have two games left this season. They will look to get revenge against Rural Vista on Feb. 4 at home.
Goessel
The Goessel boys jumped out to an early lead Friday against Herington, but the Railers snatched the lead in the second half before Goessel tied the game.
Regulation ended at 40-40, but the Bluebirds came up short in overtime, losing 45-43.
On Saturday, the Bluebirds fell behind early against Centre before cutting the deficit to four points in the third quarter.
Centre extended its lead in the forth, eventually winning 64-45.
After beating Udall late Tuesday evening, the Goessel boys will travel to Sedgwick on Friday looking for their second win of the season.
Centre
The Cougars ended the tournament Saturday with a much-needed victory, beating Goessel 64-45.
Centre opened up the tournament Friday with a 65-54 loss to Peabody-Burns.
The Cougars then lost to Wakefield, 39-34, snapping the latter’s 49-game losing streak.
Centre bounced back Saturday, though, with a big victory against Goessel.
Noah Brunner had a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds.
Blaise Kitzmiller scored 7 while pulling down 9 rebounds.
Easton Glessner scored a career-high 19 points, and Brady Idleman followed up with 17 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds.
“Very proud of how all stepped up and contributed in many different facets of the game, considering the team is missing its senior team captain Robert Spohn, who has been out due to injury,” coach Richard Idleman said.
With four games left in their season, the Cougars will travel Friday to Canton-Galva.