The Luverne boys’ basketball team won two games this past week on the road, improving their season record to 6-4.
The Cardinals defeated the Saints 74-65 Friday, Jan. 13, in St. James, and took down Estelline-Hendricks 60-50 Saturday, Jan. 14, in Hendricks.
Luverne was scheduled to play conference foe Jackson County Central Tuesday, Jan.17, in Jackson, and the Cardinals will host conference rival Windom Friday, Jan. 20, in Luverne.
Luverne 74, St. James 65
The Luverne boys’ basketball team traveled to St. James Friday, Jan. 13, and beat conference rivals St. James 74-65.
Statistically both teams played a close game, but it was Luverne’s ability to cause turnovers and make free throws that made the difference in the Cardinals’ win.
As a team the Cardinals had nine steals, five blocked shots and gave up only five turnovers.
The Saints had three steals and one blocked shot, and they gave up 13 turnovers.
At the free throw line LHS made 16 of 20 (80 percent) to St. James’ 5 of 8 (62.5 percent).
Senior Gannon Ahrendt posted a double-double in the game with 35 points and 14 rebounds.
Ahrendt also had three assists, two steals and four blocked shots.
Junior Gavin DeBeer also posted a double-double, netting 23 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Sophomore Carter Sehr added eight points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and a blocked shot.
Seniors Tyson Cowell and Marcus Feit each contributed four points for Luverne in the game.
Luverne 60, Estelline 50
The Luverne boys’ basketball team traveled to play Estelline/Hendricks beating the Redhawks 60-50 Saturday, Jan. 14.
The Cardinals won the game with their strong offensive play which led to scoring opportunities.
The Cardinals shot 58.6 percent of their shots within the paint (2-pointers) and 41.7 percent beyond the line (3-pointers).
The Redhawks shot 40.6 percent on 2-pointers and 28.6 percent on 3-pointers.
Luverne was also 73.3 percent at the free throw line while Estelline did not even make it to the line.
The Cardinals had only three players score during the game, all in double digits.
Ahrendt posted 23 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocked shots.
Sehr added 23 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Gavin DeBeer had a double-double, scoring 14 points with 10 rebounds along with one assist and two steals.