Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn threw a scare into the second ranked team in Class 1A but Remsen St. Mary’s overcame poor foul shooting to come away with a 55-49 War Eagle Conference victory January 20 at Remsen. The game was rescheduled from December 10 due to weather issues.
“We struggled early defensively, especially in transition where they were able to get some good looks,” commented HMS head coach Naet Hoaglund. “We made a few adjustments in the second quarter that slowed them down a little bit but they are such good shooters they were able to capitalize with even the smallest gap. We were able to get our offense going a little bit more in the second quarter. We came out in the third quarter with an emphasis on the defensive end. I thought we mixed things up nicely and competed really hard. I was pleased with our work on that end, only giving up five points. Offensively, we worked hard to work the ball inside and attack the paint. We were able to cut the deficit to three going into the fourth which was big for us. The fourth quarter was a little more back and forth. They were able to get going offensively a little bit. We extended the game by fouling. St. Mary’s gave us some chances going 3-17 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter. We just couldn’t connect on the offensive end down the stretch to get over the hump.”
Both teams shot well over 50 percent in the game. St. Mary’s was 21-of-37 from the field for 57 percent. HMS was 21-of-38 for 55 percent. From three-point range St. Mary’s was 8-of-16 and HMS 6-of-14. The visiting Hawks attempted three free throws, making one.
Lance Berends was the game’s high scorer with 27 points. He was followed by Kooper Ebel with 11, Mason Brinkman with five and Travis Kamradt and Jordan Ortega with three apiece. Ebel, Brinkman and Kamradt each notched two assists. Jaxon Bunkers led the host Hawks with 23 points on 9-of-10 shooting.
HMS won the battle of the boards 29-24. Leading the way were Berends with 11 rebounds and Ebel with eight. Ebel also made two steals and blocked a shot. The turnover totals showed HMS with 12 ans St. Mary’s with six.
“I’m proud of how we battled against a really good Remsen St. Mary’s team,” remarked Hoaglund. “St Mary’s is a tough, physical team. They make it so tough to get going on the offensive end. They are number two in the state for a reason.”
HMS 12 15 11 11 – 49
RSM 18 18 5 14 – 55