Losing streak extends to six games for Warrior boys basketball team
Dan McGreal contributed 13 points in Central’s 63-52 loss to South Winn. (Photos by Bev Hamann)
Caden Erickson makes a move toward the hoop in the game versus South Winn.
Gabe Erickson drives past a South Winn defender in last week's game.
By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register
It was another tough week for the Central boys basketball team, whose losing streak extended to six games.
The week got underway at Central City on Jan. 9, and immediately, the Warriors were on their heels, being held to nine points in the first period while the Wildcats put 31 on the scoreboard. The rest of the game followed a similar pattern, though the Warriors tacked on 19 points in the third period, but ultimately lost 91-48.
“We started off the game very slowly on both ends, and were never able to recover. Our defensive rotations were slow, which allowed Central City to get a lot of wide-open perimeter shots, and to their credit they hit a very high percentage of them,” said coach Brady Stramer. “Offensively, we were very stagnant and lacked the necessary ball movement to get quality looks at the hoop. All in all, it was most likely our worst performance of the season on both ends of the court, but especially on the defensive end.”
On a positive, the Warriors spread the ball around well, with seven players scoring points, led by Dan McGreal with nine and Isaac Wellendorf with eight. Three players had seven points, including Tate Berns, Isaac Loan and Gabe Erickson. Caden Erickson and Elliot Kelly each added five points.
The Warriors had 13 assists, led by McGreal with four and Korey Schantz and Kelly with three, but offensively, they couldn’t compete with the three-point shooting Wildcats, who hit 46 percent, compared to the Warriors’ 33 percent. The Warriors also shot about 20 percent lower than the Wildcats from the field, though Central appeared to limit its turnovers with just 13.
The Warriors fared a little better versus South Winneshiek, even jumping out to an 11-6 first period lead and hanging around for three periods. They stayed within three points until South Winn put up a 25-point fourth period to pull away 63-52.
Although Central added another loss to the record, the team played better than the loss indicated. Three players scored in double-digits, including G. Erickson with a team-high 15. McGreal and Kelly each put in 13 points. Loan contributed eight and Sam Frailey added three.
The game ultimately came down to shooting percentages and foul shots, both of which Central lost. The Warriors also shot 33 percent from the field and 23 percent on three-point shots, while South Winn went 39 and 30 percent, respectively. Central made a higher percentage of free throws, but the team also shot less than South Winn made, with Central shooting just 13 while South Winn made 16 of 29.
A side note highlight of the game is the fact the Warriors didn’t lose the turnover battle, something they have struggled with all season.
“In the second half, South Winneshiek was able to make a lot of shots, especially some timely three pointers down the stretch, which ended up being the difference. Offensively in the second half, we did a much better job of attacking the hoop and getting the ball into the paint,” Stramer said. “Unfortunately, we just weren’t able to get enough defensive stops in the fourth quarter to come out victorious.”
In the final game of the week, the Warriors met heartbreak as a late game comeback came up just short against Kee. The Warriors dug themselves an early hole, going down 13-4 in the first period and were down by 10 points at the half.
They clawed their way back into the game, outscoring the Hawks 12-7 in the third period and even held the Hawks to just four points in the fourth, but the comeback fell one point short, as the Hawks hung on for the 36-35 win. The difference came down to free throws, a contest the Warriors lost again, giving the Hawks the slim margin of victory.
“We were once again being very stagnant on the offensive end, and simply not running our offense the way we know how to. In the second half, we were able to improve our offensive output, but still never found a rhythm. However, our defensive intensity allowed us to mount a comeback,” Stramer said.
The leading scorer for the Warriors was McGreal with 16 points, followed by Kelly with 12. The team leaders combined for 16 rebounds, four assists and four steals as well. Loan contributed three points and Wellendorf added two points.
Shooting statistics were similar for both teams, but the Hawks attempted 12 free throws, making five to the Warriors’ five shot attempts and two makes, which effectively was the difference in the game. However, the Warriors once again won the turnover battle and had more steals.
“We weren’t able to execute well enough down the stretch, and Kee made a big three pointer late to take the lead, and eventually the game. I was very pleased with us having our best defensive game of the season, and our ability to take care of the ball, only committing 10 turnovers on the night,” Stramer said. “Unfortunately, as a collective unit, we just struggled to make shots. We will look to continue to play with that level of defense as we move into next week, while focusing on becoming more consistent on the offensive end.”
The Warriors will look to end their losing streak with a three-game slate this week, starting Jan. 16 versus Waterloo Christian, then Jan. 17 at West Central. The week concludes with a rescheduled game against Postville Pirates on Jan. 21.
