The Luverne boys’ basketball team posted two big conference wins this past week with a 62-59 victory over Pipestone Jan. 24 and a 72-48 road win over Redwood Valley Jan. 27
The Cardinals are now 7-7 for the season and 5-3 in the conference.
LHS was scheduled to travel to Martin County West Tuesday, Jan. 31, and they’ll play conference games with Fairmont Thursday, Feb. 2, in Fairmont and St. James Friday, Feb. 3, at home.
LHS 62, Pipestone 59
The Luverne boys’ basketball team pulled out a three-point win over Pipestone Tuesday, Jan. 24, holding off an Arrows second-half drive for a 62-59 final score in Luverne.
“Pipestone is one of the best teams in our section, and hopefully this can show our kids that they have the ability to beat anyone in our section,” head coach John Sichmeller said.
In the first half Luverne started strong, controlling the tempo and Pipestone’s ability to score.
The Arrows picked up their game late in the half to pull within six points at the half, 29-23.
In the second period Luverne held the lead to the end with Pipestone tying the game at one point late in the game.
“Gannon hit a lot of big shots for us,” Sichmeller said.
“He fought through an injury and did an excellent job rebounding and playing defense on one of their best players.”
Luverne took advantage of late game fouls against Pipestone to pull off a three-point win.
Senior Gannon Ahrendt led the Cardinals with 25 points and 11 rebounds.
Sophomore Carter Sehr played a solid game, scoring 14 points and five assists.
Junior Gavin DeBeer pounded out 12 points and nine rebounds.
Sophomore Landon Ahrendt came off the bench adding seven points, four rebounds and an assist.
Senior Riley Sneller posted four points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Senior Marcus Feit did not score but helped out with three rebounds, four assists and three steals.
LHS 72, Redwood 48
The Luverne boys’ basketball team traveled to Redwood Valley Friday, Jan. 27, for some Cardinal-on-Cardinal action that ended with Luverne on top of the 72-48 final score.
“We had a really nice end to the first half,” Sichmeller said. “I was proud of how we built on that lead in the second half and we didn’t allow them back into the game.”
Luverne led the score going into the half 39-27 and didn’t look back.
In the second half LHS kept up the pressure on both ends of the court and came away with a nice conference win.
“Gavin DeBeer worked really hard in the post and had an awesome game for us,” Sichmeller said.
DeBeer posted a double-double in the game, making 26 points and hauling in 12 rebounds.
“Gannon only had one basket in the second half, but it was good to see him get his teammates involved,” Sichmeller said.
He posted a double-double with 11 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists, four steals and one blocked shot.
Sehr added 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and three steals.
Feit produced nine points, one rebound, two assists and three steals.
Other Luverne players scoring in the game were Woodley with seven, Landon Ahrendt with six and Sneller with two points.
“It was nice to see some other guys chip in some points tonight, and it was a good overall team win,” Sichmeller said.