Cubs’ basketball boys top Johnnies, fall to Irish

The Cubs took to the road Monday, Feb. 9, and stopped off in Collegeville for a non-conference battle with St. John?Äôs Prep. The game was close the whole first half, and St. John?Äôs Prep led at the break, 19-17. Kimball took the lead a few minutes in to the second half, but SJP tied it at 29-29. At the 7:31 mark, the Cubs were up 34-32, and went on an 8-2 run over the next three minutes. Down the stretch Kimball made their free throws to seal the win, 56-44.

?ÄúWe did a great job at the charity stripe, going 20 for 23. Merchant (28) and VonWahlde (16) carried us tonight. Austin Marx gave us great minutes off the bench,?Äù said Coach Jay Klein.

Cubs scoring: Joey VonWahlde, 16; Brady Faber, 2; Dunkin Westrich, 4; Will Spaulding, 6; Jarred Merchant, 28.

Maple Lake was the next stop for Kimball, and the Cubs dropped a tough one to the Irish, 66-60. The Irish built the lead to double digits and maintained it through the first half, gaining a 35-21 halftime advantage. Kimball made one last push and cut the margin to ten (61-51) with 1:50 remaining.  The Cubs hit a couple of threes late to make the final score 60-66. ?ÄúWe played very poor defensively, rarely contesting their shots. We always seemed to be out of position. Maple Lake had 15 offensive rebounds for the game and we only had 15 defensive rebounds. I was happy with the run we made at the end of the game, but we need to play with a sense of urgency sooner,?Äù said Coach Jay Klein. Cubs scoring: Joey VonWahlde, 22; Isaiah Ehlinger, 2; Darius Westrich, 1; Dunkin Westrich, 9; Will Spaulding, 8; Jarred Merchant, 18.