H-BC boys' basketball split two games

The Hills-Beaver Creek boys’ basketball team split two tough games on the road after the winter break.
The Patriots fell to Murray County Central Friday, Jan. 6, and claimed a come-from-behind victory over Red Rock Central on Saturday, Jan. 7.
The Patriots were scheduled to host Heron Lake -Okabena/Fulda Tuesday, Jan. 10, and will face Southwest Minnesota Christian at home Friday, Jan. 13.
 
MCC 91, H-BC 63
The Hills-Beaver Creek boys’ basketball team traveled to Murray County Central Friday, Jan. 6.
The Rebels, shooting almost 60 percent from the field, beat the Patriots 91-63.
“I thought we played one of our better games of the year,” head coach Kale Wiertzema said.
“We competed hard all game long. Once again, we got down early, and every time we put together a nice stretch, Murray County Central matched it.”
The Rebels led the Patriots 42-29 at half time and didn’t let up. MCC added another 49 points in the second half.
H-BC scored 34 points in the second half but it wasn’t enough to catch the Rebels.
Sophomore Beau Bakken led the Patriots with 14 points, five rebounds, three steals and one assist.
Junior Riley Tatge posted 13 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Senior Brayden Metzger added nine points, three steals and eight assists.
 
H-BC 67, RRC 54
Hills-Beaver Creek traveled to Lamberton Jan. 7 to take on Red Rock Central.
Having lost a tough road game to Murray County Central the day before, the H-BC boys found themselves behind early in the game against the Falcons.
 “After starting the game down 10-0, we battled back to get the score to 18-9 in favor of Red Rock Central,” Wiertzema said.
“But we finished the half going on a tremendous 30-4 run to make the halftime score 39-22 in our favor.”
In the second half Wiertzema said his Patriots did a great job speeding up the tempo, causing Red Rock Central to get into foul trouble.
The Patriots added 28 points in the second half to beat the Falcons 67-54.
“I’m proud of how our guys stuck together after getting down early again,” Wiertzema said.
Bakken had another stellar game for the Patriots, posting 14 points, 13 rebounds, two steals and five assists.
Brayden Metzger contributed six points, five rebounds, two steals and seven assists.
Harnack led the scoring for the Patriots with 16 points. He also had two steals and one assist.
Jamin Metzger sank 14 points in the game to help out in the win.