Warriors drop opener against NFV, but earn decisive win over West Central
Vaughn Zittergruen lays in a basket in Central’s commanding victory at West Central. (Photos by Willis Patenaude)
Isaac Loan looks to stop a Blue Devil player headed toward the hoop.
Jake Hertrampf puts up a bucket versus West Central.
With 17 points, Mason Loan was one of four Warriors to score in double digits against the Blue Devils.
Owen Hammersland comes down with a rebound in last week's Central victory.
By Willis Patenaude | Times-Register
The Central boys basketball season got underway last week against North Fayette Valley. Heading into the game, coach Brady Stramer knew it was going to be a tough challenge, in large part because NFV, who went 21-4 last season, returned most of its starters, including leading scorers Cael Reichter and Decklyn Heins.
The Warriors found themselves down early, as NFV hit two three-point shots and pulled ahead 12-2. But Stramer said the team was able to “weather the storm,” using good ball movement to find open shooters and close the gap to 21-18 at the end of the first period.
Central stayed within striking distance through most of the second period, but NFV took a 41-32, nine-point lead into halftime.
The Warriors again found themselves falling behind in the third period, as turnovers led to a 10-2 NFV run. Central was out-scored 20-10 in the quarter and went into the fourth down 61-42.
The fourth period was closer, but the Warriors were unable to close the gap, losing 76-55.
Stramer commented one of the “biggest problems” was getting rebounds, as the Warriors were out-rebounded 49-25 in total and 24-10 on offensive rebounds. This disparity allowed NFV to “attempt 21 more shots from the field, which proved to be too big of a difference to overcome,” the coach said.
“While the final score was not what we wanted, we saw a lot of good things on both ends of the court, especially for a young team. Moving forward, we will need to do a better job of rebounding and not dig ourselves such big holes to start the game and the second half,” Stramer added.
Owen Hammersland led the team with 23 points, while shooting over 50% from the field, including four for eight on three-point shots. Griffen Hammersland added 10 points off the bench and a team-leading eight rebounds with three assists. Isaac Loan and Mason Loan had three rebounds and six assists apiece and combined for 11 points. Jake Hertrampf scored three points with four rebounds and two blocks.
The Warriors shot 38.2 percent from the field, including 38.1 percent on three-point shots, and went five for 11 on free throws.
The Warriors’ next game at West Central was a physical match up that saw a combined 36 fouls called and 39 free throws attempted. The Central offense, which took 34 more shots and also made 21 more than the Blue Devils, stormed out to an early lead and never looked back. On the strength of shooting 47 percent from the floor, the Warriors earned a commanding 77-31 win.
“I was very pleased with the intensity and focus that our starters came out with after not doing so in our first game of the season. We were able to force some turnovers which led to several fast break opportunities early in the game,” Stramer said.
Four players scored in double figures, including Mason Loan with 17. Owen Hammersland and Vaughn Zittergruen each had 11, and Isaac Loan finished with 10 points. Hertrampf, Griffen Hammersland, Caden Fette and Carson Ruegnitz all scored six points or more.
“This game checked a lot of boxes that we will need to continue to check as our season progresses. We were able to do a good job of pressuring the basketball, while boxing out and limiting the offensive rebounds that we allowed. When we are able to get stops on the defensive end, it helps our offense as we are able to push the ball in transition,” Stramer said.
While leading the team in scoring, Mason Loan also had four steals and four assists, and Owen Hammersland finished with team highs in steals and assists, with six in each category. He also had five rebounds in only three periods of play. Isaac Loan finished with a team high nine rebounds.
The Warriors have three games this week, starting Dec. 9 against Starmont, then Dec. 10 against Turkey Valley. On Dec. 13, Central will face Postville at home.
