The Britton-Hecla boys basketball squad picked up a win in two starts during the past week and stands at 6-3.
The Braves were scheduled to play at Waubay-Summit on Monday but that game was postponed due to cold weather. This week the local cagers travel to Warner on Friday and meet Leola-Frederick at Frederick on Tuesday. Both games are twin bills with the girls’ team.
Britton-Hecla 50
Wilmot 44
Britton-Hecla pulled away from a halftime tie by outscoring Wilmot 28-22 in the final two periods.
“This was a good defensive effort as we turned them over 31 times,” said B-H coach Troy Knecht. “Some of the biggest steals came late in the fourth quarter when we really needed them.
“We had a tough night shooting so the defense needed to be there and it was. Wilmot, for whatever reason, has always played us tough. I give credit to their coach for getting them ready to play. It’s probably a team we should beat more handily but there are some good learning experiences that come from these close ones.”
Graham Fosness led a balanced B-H scoring effort with 10 points, and Daniel Person and Chaz Vietor each had nine. Person and Jordyn McGregor each pulled down six rebounds, Richter and Person had four steals apiece, and Person was credited with six assists.
BRITTON-HECLA: Will Richter 3 1-2 7, Ben Folkman 1 0-0 2, Graham Fosness 4 1-3 10, Daniel Person 3 3-3 9, Chaz Vietor 4 1-2 9, Jordyn McGregor 2 2-3 6, Jaxon Zuehlke 3 1-2 7. Totals 20 9-15 50.
WILMOT: Keitrick Genia 5 0-0 12, Jaxen Dockter 2 1-2 5, Tyler Heinje 1 0-0 3, Ethan Schwenn 5 0-0 10, Micah Petezel 2 0-0 4, Kolby Haubris 2 0-0 4, Elijah Madsen 2 2-2 6. Totals 19 3-4 44.
BH (6-2) 13 22 35 50
Wilmot (3-8) 10 22 32 44
3-point goals – Fosness; Genia 2, Heinje. Fouled out – Genia. Total fouls – BH 5, Wilmot 16.
Florence-Henry 56
Britton-Hecla 49
Florence-Henry outscored the Braves 25-16 in the final quarter to erase a two-point deficit heading into the final eight minutes.
The Braves led 11-10 after one period, the contest was tied at 19-all at halftime, and B-H led 33-31 after three stanzas before the visitors’ rally.
“This was a game we did a lot of good things in but couldn’t win,” said Knecht. “We finally limited our turnovers (12) and shot free throws well, but only shot 28% from the field. Our rebounding effort was okay considering they did have some size but even at that we probably could’ve rebounded more efficiently.
“Patience on offense has been something we’ve preached lately and the kids responded to that, but we went backwards on our transition opportunities. We need to find that sweet spot of playing fast in the full court and slow in the half court. The shots will come. I’m not worried about that.
“It seems like every game there’s an individual who shines…we just haven’t had that night yet when everyone shines together,” concluded Knecht. “It will happen. We just need to keep perfecting our defense and gaining confidence in each other.”
Will Richter notched 16 points to lead B-H scorers. Chaz Vietor hauled in nine rebounds and Jaxon Zuehlke grabbed seven. Jordyn McGregor had four steals and three assists.
FLORENCE-HENRY: Carson Vavruska 7 9-10 28, Ty Bergh 8 0-2 18, Logan Koll 1 2-4 4, Tristyn Sumner 1 0-0 2, Tucker Keller 1 2-2 4. Totals 18 13-18 56.
BRITTON-HECLA: Will Richter 6 2-4 16, Graham Fosness 3 1-2 8, Daniel Person 2 2-2 7, Jordyn McGregor 1 2-2 4, Jaxon Zuehlke 3 2-2 9, Chaz Vietor 1 3-4 5. Totals 16 12-16 49.
FH (6-3) 11 19 31 56
BH (6-3) 10 19 33 49
3-point goals – Vavruska 5, Bergh 2; Richter 2, Fosness, Person, Zuehlke. Fouled out – Bergh. Total Fouls – FH 16, BH 17.
