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LHS boys put clamps on JCC en route to double-digit victory

Lead Summary
By
Brennen Rupp

For the second straight season, the Luverne Cardinals boys’ basketball team has opened the season with a 2-0 record.
The Cardinals tipped off their season Saturday with a resounding 65-31 victory over Jackson County Central.
On Monday the Cardinals improved to 2-0 with a 54-49 victory over Worthington.
Although things started off on the sluggish side for the Cardinals against JCC, Luverne was in control of the game from the start.
“You could definitely tell that it was the first game of the season,” Luverne head coach John Sichmeller said.
“The game started pretty sloppily for both teams with a lot of turnovers. It wasn’t always pretty, but I was very happy with our effort.”
The Cardinals led 33-18 at the midway point.
JCC went on a 6-0 run to trim Luverne’s lead to 37-26. The Cardinals then went on an 18-0 run to build a 55-26 lead. That strong finish to the game for the Cardinals was due to their effort on the defensive end of the court.
“Once we got settled into the game, our defensive pressure led to a lot of easy baskets for us,” Sichmeller said.
Sophomore Gannon Ahrendt recorded a double-double, scoring 25 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
Bailey Cowell scored 16 points and dished out six assists.
Jayson Rops grabbed six rebounds and Arekel McLaughlin recorded four steals.
Against the Trojans on the road Monday, Ahrendt led the team with 17 points. Cowell finished right behind him with 16.
The Cardinals will hit the road again on Friday when they take on Martin County West. Luverne lost to MCW last season 70-66.

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