Sheldon laid claim to its non-conference match-up with Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn from the get-go. The Orabs led 25-8 after one quarter on the way to a 68-31 win January 11 at Hartley. Inclement weather had caused the game to be postponed from January 8. Sheldon improved to 2-9 while the Hawks dropped to 0-10.
“Sheldon was very disruptive in their press and caused us fits with it the whole night,” noted HMS head coach Naet Hoaglund. “We just shoot ourselves in the foot when we turn the ball over like we did. The live ball turnovers that lead to layups and easy baskets are real killers. They had 34 points off turnovers – you won’t win any games where you spot the opponents 34 points – it makes it really hard to compete. We have to hang in there and keep working and keep trying to get better. Our guys are young. They are learning and trying their best. They are growing even when the results are like they were tonight.”
George Vargas led the Hawks with 11 points and 14 rebounds (11 defensive). He added two assists and two steals. Lawton Schiphoff scored nine points on a trio of three-pointers. That accompanied three rebounds and an assist. Kolby Douma’s six points came on treys as well and he also recorded two rebounds and one assist.
“I was really pleased and continue to be pleased with the effort that George Vargas plays with,” commented his coach. “He’s usually one of the smaller guys on the court but he puts himself in situations to be successful because of his effort and grit. To see him come away with 14 rebounds tells you all you need to know about his heart. He’s a kid who’s going to play with positive energy despite the score. I was really proud of Kolby Douma, too. He was thrust into a starting role because of an injury and that was the most minutes he’d seen this year. I thought as a freshman, he handled it very well and it will pay huge dividends down the road. He continues to improve and gain confidence.  He’s got a bright future ahead of him.”
The Orabs were led by the 16 points from Ryan Vollink. Cooper Jansma added 15 points and Drew Sauer 13.
Sheldon 25 14 13 16 – 68
HMS 8 4 11 8 – 31