, 
, 
, 
, 
The Hills-Beaver Creek boys’ basketball team hosted cross-county rival Luverne Tuesday, Dec. 6, in Hills, where the Cardinals came out on top 74-39
It was H-BC’s home opener and Luverne’s first away game of the season after dropping the home opener to Southwest Christian 75-46 on Dec. 1.
Luverne’s head coach John Sichmeller said he was pleased with his team’s effort.
“I think our guys were nervous for their first game last week and it looked like they were more composed and ready to play vs. H-BC,” Sichmeller said.
For H-BC’s part, coach Kale Wiertzema said the Cardinals’ fast-paced tempo in the first half resulted in several turnovers and missed opportunities by his Patriots.
“After getting down early and getting rid of the nerves, I thought we did a great job battling back to get the score 26-24,” Wiertzema said.
Toward the end of the half, Luverne went on a stretch, hitting multiple threes and put an end to H-BC’s run.
The half ended in favor of Luverne 40-24.
In the second half the Cardinals kept up the momentum by pressing the Patriots in the back court.
“Our inexperience was evident,” Wiertzema said. “We had 28 turnovers with 75 percent of those coming from being sped up and uncomfortable versus their pressure.”
Luverne outshot the Patriots in the second half 34-15 with a majority of the scoring coming at the foul line where the Cardinals shot 73 percent as a team.
H-BC senior Brock Harnack led the Patriots with 19 points, five rebounds and one blocked shot.
Defensively freshman Jamin Metzger grabbed 10 rebounds and sophomore Beau Bakken had seven rebounds.
For Luverne, sophomore Carter Sehr posted 22 points and senior Gannon Ahrendt had 21 points with seven rebounds and four blocked shots.
Luverne’s game with Jackson County Central Tuesday, Dec. 13, was postponed due to weather. The Cardinals will face Redwood Valley Friday, Dec. 16, at home.
The Patriots’ game with Red Rock Central was also postponed due to weather Tuesday, Dec. 13. They’ll host Alcester-Hudson Friday, Dec. 16.