Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire was on the offensive in its non-conference boys match-up with Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn and the Hawks were far too accommodating. The Titans shot 46 percent from the field (28-of-61) in downing HMS 72-62 January 4 at Graettinger.
Hawk head coach Naet Hoaglund was left to lament what he identified as a lack of effort on the defensive end including the defensive glass. “We really struggled on the defensive end to contain dribble penetration and get out on shooters,” said Hoaglund. “GTRA did a nice job of pushing the ball in transition and punished our inability to get back by finding open shooters and hitting shots.” Digging deeper, the coach continued, “We didn’t jump to the ball very well, we weren’t communicating, we were slow in our rotations and closeouts, and gave up way too many second chance points. It was a recipe for disaster against a team who can shoot like GTRA can.”
The hosts from the Twin Lakes conference took advantage of some open looks from three-point range by knocking down 10 treys. They were 6-of-14 at the foul line, a location that was frequented by HMS. “If there was a bright spot in the game, it was our ability to get to the free throw line,” commented Hoaglund. “We ended up getting there 36 times which means we were aggressive and attacking the rack offensively. Unfortunately, we only ended up making 22 out of 36 which is an improvement, but still not good enough.”
The visitors made 19 of their 50 field goal tries for 38 percent. They went just 2-of-15 from beyond the arc. Kooper Ebel finished with 26 points. Lance Berends added 16 points and Keevyn Jacobsma 11. Rounding out the Hawk scoring were Jordan Ortega and Trenton Vollink each with three points, Travis Kamradt with two points and Mason Brinkman with one point to accompany his five assists.
HMS did allow 10 offensive rebounds but came away with 18 caroms of their own on the offensive glass. The Hawks’ total of 46 rebounds included 15 from Berends, 11 from Jacobsma, seven from Ebel and five from Brinkman.
Steals leaders were Jacobsma with three and Ebel with two. GTRA committed 11 turnovers while the Hawks were guilty of 20.

HMS 14 16 15 17 – 62
GTRA 23 17 27 5 – 72