Offense powers Hawk boys to road win at Sheldon
Lance Berends and Kooper Ebel combined for 54 points as Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn defeated Sheldon 67-57 January 9 at Sheldon. The Hawks took the lead for good with five minutes left in the first quarter.
Berends scored 28 points and Ebel 26 but there was more to the HMS offensive effort. “I thought we got off to a good start offensively which set the tone for us,” noted Hawk head coach Naet Hoaglund. “We hit a couple of threes in the first quarter that helped to spread the defense out and off of Lance in the post for awhile. Our ball movement was excellent and we were able to find the open shooters and play off our advantages we created.” Ebel and Trenton Vollink each finished with four assists.
Keevyn Jacobsma recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Vollink added three points to round out the HMS scoring. The Hawks were 25-of-51 from the floor and 13-of-23 at the charity stripe. The 43 Hawk rebounds included 16 on the offensive end. “I was pleased with how we attacked the paint and got to the free throw line,” said Hoaglund. “Our rebounding effort has been exceptional these last three games. I’m proud of how our guys have attacked the offensive glass and have created extra possessions, so to speak.”
Berends pulled down 13 total rebounds and Ebel 11. Ebel made four steals and blocked a shot. Berends rejected a pair of Sheldon offerings.
The Orabs’ 22-of-56 shooting included a 9-of-27 effort from three-point range. Sheldon was 4-of-7 at the free throw line. “I give credit to Sheldon for hanging in there,” said Hoaglund. “It seemed like any time we made a run they responded right back with one of their own. They made us have to defend the three point line really hard and were still able to knock down nearly 10 threes. I thought we responded to their runs the way we needed to, poised and controlled, and never let things spiral. I’m really happy with the steps forward we have taken in that regard.”
HMS 21 14 19 13 – 67
Sheldon 16 12 14 15 – 57