The Wautoma Hornets and Westfield Pioneers went head to head during the battle for traveling trophy, Ozzie the goat. The Hornets were able to keep Ozzie at home following their 71-51 win over the Westfield Pioneers.
The Hornets were the first to get themselves on the board with 2 points. A 3-pointer from Kash Kangas brought the Pioneers ahead by 1 point early in the first half. The Pioneers managed to stay ahead by 1 or 2 points until a 3-pointer from Carson Armstrong put Wautoma in the lead 7-6. The ball was evenly shared by both teams in the first half, with the score being tied up at 16 after a free throw from Wautoma’s Brett Salm. The score would continue to be tied up multiple times, but a 3-pointer from Logan Dunn brought the Hornets ahead 25-22. The Pioneers would fall behind, with Wautoma scoring a 32-26 lead to end the first half of the game.
The Hornets were on a roll in the second half, with Salm and Joe Ascher each scoring a 3-pointer to secure a 10 point lead over the Pioneers. Kash Kangas kept the Pioneers going while being able to score a 3-pointer to help close the gap. The Hornets were able to hold on to their strong lead, clearing the way for a 71-51 victory.
Kash Kangas gave the Pioneers 23 points on the board, along with 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Keegan Hockerman scored 9 points and recorded 3 rebounds and assists. Mitchel Meinke was able to get 8 points and recorded 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Sam Berruecos had 7 points and Owen Hendee 4.
Carson Armstrong took charge of the Hornets’ win with 31 points on the board. Armstrong also had 3 assists and steals. Joe Ascher scored 17 points and recorded 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Logan Dunn was able to get 7 points on the board followed by Peter Idsvoog with 6, Brett Salm 5, Landon Kalata 3, and Carter Meyer 2.
