Warriors split with NEIC foes

By Becky Walz,

South Winn’s Kole Hageman puts the pressure on a Cadet player during Monday’s non-conference game at Crestwood. (Photo courtesy of Nate Troy/Cresco Times Plain Dealer)

The South Winn boys’ basketball team (9-4, 6-3 UIC) kicked off the week with a pair of contests with NEIC foes, splitting the close games.

Holding on
While it was cold outside, the action was hot inside the gym at Crestwood Monday night, as the Warriors squeezed out a 52-50 win over the Cadets (1-10).
It was a fast start with the Warriors rolling out to a 19-5 lead following the first eight minutes before the Cadets narrowed the gap to 24-17 at halftime. Slower than normal scoring for SW allowed Crestwood to inch closer 31-28 with one quarter remaining. In the fourth, the Warriors did just enough to hold off the home team’s threat to come out on top.
“If you tuned into the fourth quarter of this game, it was well played,” said Coach Derek Taylor. “Both teams traded baskets all the way through and the last five minutes were a one-possession game either way. We were able to hit some big free throws down the stretch, and had multiple guys step up with big buckets in the to get the win.”
In double digit scoring for the Warriors were Braiden Todd with 19 and Nolan Sabelka and Matson Winings each putting up 11.

At home Tuesday
It was another night of action between the Warriors and a NEIC team Tuesday as South Winn hosted Waukon (4-6) Tuesday night. This time the Warriors came out on the losing end of a close game.
The Indians took control in the first half with a 25-21 lead at halftime and extended their advantage to 40-31 with eight minutes to play. It was then that the Warriors dug in and forged ahead for a comeback, outscoring the visitors 24-18 in the fourth quarter, coming just short of the victory, 58-55.
“In back-to-back tight games, and this one didn’t go our way. We battled hard down the stretch but couldn’t get over the hump. Turnovers and outside shooting are what hurt us the most,” said Coach Taylor. “Since the break, our 3-point shooting hasn’t been good, and it put a lot of pressure on our guys to get to the basket which has caused more turnovers, something we need to address in practice and improve on.”
Winings had another stellar outing with 12 points and eight rebounds, while Kole Hageman provided 12 points and seven rebounds. Carver Wenthold put up 12 points as well.

Coming up
The Warriors’ next two games are at home as they take on West Central Friday, Jan. 19, and New Hampton Monday, Jan. 22.

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