MCC BOYS TAKE ON WWG AT HOME

The Murray County Central Boys Basketball team was in Slayton on Thursday night for a big Red Rock Conference matchup. The Rebels and the SWC Eagles were tied for the top spot in the conference coming into Thursday night with neither team having a loss. The Chargers were in second place, one game back, after a loss to MLAC earlier this season. If the Rebels pulled off the win, they would remain tied for first place going into the Tuesday night game with SWC. If the Chargers won, it would create a logjam for second place behind the Eagles.

The Rebels and the Chargers are two of the most experienced teams in the Red Rock Conference this season, as both teams rosters are filled with seniors that get a majority of the playing time. WWG features 6 seniors in their lineup while MCC has 4 seniors starting, and two of the top players off the bench are also seniors. The difference falls in games won at the varsity level, where the Chargers have been one of the best teams in the conference over the last 4 years. On Thursday, the best player on the floor was an MCC Rebel. Bryce Hoekman dominated the game making all but one of his field goal opportunities. Hoekman would score 15 first half points, more than anyone else scored in the entire game. MCC led for the majority of the first 12 minutes of the first half. The Chargers put things together on offense when the three point shot started falling with about six minutes to play. Over the final six minutes of the first half, the Chargers connected on 6 three point shots. The outside shot would propel the Chargers into the lead at halftime 35 to 28.

The second half had the Rebels chipping away at the Charger lead. It was a much lower scoring second half compared to the first. MCC was able to tie the game at 47-47 and again at 49-49 with just over a minute to play. The Rebels had the basketball and called a timeout with just over a minute to play. At that point, the Chargers had scored just 14 second half points and the Rebels 21. After the timeout, the Rebels would inbound the basketball on the sideline and the pass would be thrown into the hands of Hudsen Jenniges. The sophomore would win the race to the basket for a layup and one for a three point play. The Rebels, now trailing by three, would rush the ball into the front court and attack the basket. Again, the Rebels would throw a pass to the top of the key and Jenniges would intercept the pass. Again, he would finish the layup and the foul. The Chargers, over the last minute would score ten points while MCC would score just 2. WWG got the win 59 to 51.

The Chargers were led by five players who combined for all but 2 of the team’s points. Hudsen Jenniges and Cole Curry each scored 12 while Brady Ross and Dan Kleven each had 10. Adyn Vue came off the bench for 9 points, all behind the three point line. The Rebels, on the other hand, were led by Hoekman’s 25 points but no other Rebel scored more than 7 points. In a game that wasn’t influnced by a large number of turnovers, execution of each team’s offense was important and the Chargers won that battle. The logjam for second place in the conference was complete. The Rebels next two games will be against SWC and HLOF.