Success on offense and defense will go along way toward securing a win in the world of sports. It did just that for Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn as the Hawks displayed those qualities in defeating South O’Brien 52-21 January 18 at Paullina.
HMS head coach Naet Hoaglund liked the way his team competed defensively throughout the game. “We had great communication,” noted Hoaglund. “We were solid in our rotations. We made them work for everything they got. It’s the first time this season we have stacked back-to-back games with a great defensive effort.”
On the offensive side, the Hawks took care of the basketball, turning it over only eight times against South O’Brien’s predatory 2-3 zone. “I was pleased with how we moved the ball around and got great looks each possession,” remarked Hoaglund. “We really got going in the second quarter. I felt like we were swinging the ball well and working the ball inside out which led to some open threes from Mason (Brinkman), Kooper (Ebel) and Jordan (Ortega).”
After the Wolverines led early, HMS moved out to a 32-14 advantage early in the second half. South O’Brien trimmed the lead to seven at 34-27 but the Hawks were able to weather the storm. “I’m proud of how our guys stayed composed and responded by getting critical baskets and stops to end South O’Brien’s run,” said Hoaglund.
The game featured a battle of big men. “Lance Berends had a tremendous game for us with 19 points and 11 boards,” praised Hoaglund. “Defensively, he was matched with another skilled post player in Jake Wallin. Jake is what really makes that team go. Lance’s effort on defense to hold Jake to 4-15 shooting was key for us.”
The coach credited Ebel with keeping the offense running smoothly. “I was really pleased with his poise on the offensive end,” said Hoaglund. “We put him at the high post in the middle of their zone. I thought he did a terrific job of seeing the floor and either distributing the ball to open shooters, getting the ball down low, or attacking.” The head man also cited Brinkman for hitting some key treys, Travis Kamradt for his defense and his offensive aggressiveness, Keevyn Jacobsma for his key free throw conversions and putback shot and Ortega for hitting a big three.
Ebel finished with 15 points, Brinkman with six, Kamradt with five, Jacobsma with four and Ortega with three. Ebel and Brinkman each contributed a pair of assists. Ebel also grabbed 10 rebounds and made four steals. Berends blocked two shots and Ebel one.
HMS shot 47 percent from the floor with 19 baskets in 40 attempts. The Hawks were 4-of-12 from behind the three-point line 10-of-19 at the free throw line. The Wolverines converted 15 of 46 field goal attempts for 33 percent. They were just 1-of-7 from long range but made 10-of-12 free throws. South O’Brien committed a pair of turnovers.
HMS 11 17 12 12 – 52
S. O’Brien 10 4 17 10 – 41