Sioux Central’s defense asserted itself in the third quarter of its game with Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn. The Rebels trailed by ten points at halftime but led by four after three quarters on the way to a 50-45 victory over HMS February 10 at Sioux Rapids. The Hawks end the regular season with a record of 8-13.
“I thought we got off to a really good start and played really well in the first half,” assessed HMS head coach Naet Hoaglund. “I liked how we were attacking the paint and getting to the rim. I thought our defense was really strong in the first half, too. I felt like we were forcing Sioux Central into some tough shots. We were really active and our movement was good. We got into some foul trouble early in the second half which changed how we had to defend. Sioux Central started being more aggressive and attacking the paint which allowed them to pretty much score at will. They picked up the defensive intensity and physicality that disrupted our rhythm and flow. They really put the clamps on in the second half. They guarded the three point line really well and made it tough for us to get Caden (Douma) decent looks. We had our chances late but couldn’t convert offensively or gave up offensive rebounds– didn’t make consistent plays needed to come out on the right side of things.”
The Hawks did outshoot their hosts from the Twin Lakes Conference 48 percent (19-of-40) to 41 percent (21-of-51). HMS was just 1-of-9 from three point range while the Rebels drained a third of their 15 trey attempts. From the free throw line the Hawks were 6-of-9 and Sioux Central 3-of-11.
Isaac Schierholz gave HMS 20 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Caden Douma scored 13 points, Alex Billings six and Jackson Vogt and Kolby Douma three apiece. Vogt and Caden Douma each recorded two assists.
The Hawks, with 32 boards, outrebounded their opponents by 10. Billings grabbed eight rebounds and Caden Douma five. Schierholz and Caden Douma each blocked a shot. Vogt was the steals leader with two. HMS committed 11 turnovers and the Rebels turned the ball over six times.
HMS 12 13 4 16 – 45
S. Central 8 7 18 17 – 50