The Cubs had a busy week on the courts, besting Pierz, 93-60, Tuesday, Jan. 17; then dropping a heart-breaker to St. John?Äôs Prep, 67-63, Thursday. Friday, Jan. 20, Kimball smothered Paynesville, 63-27, to put a positive cap on a successful three-day venture.
(Pierz Game) Kimball jumped out to an early lead and did a nice job of sharing the basketball (29 assists for the game).
?ÄúWe were able to continue the scoring pace in the second half but our defense played poorly. We gave up 16 offensive rebounds in the second half alone,?Äù said Coach Jay Klein. Cubs?Äô Scoring: Darius Westrich 8; Hunter Ahlrich 2; Del Guerrero 31; Hayden Gagnon 21; Drew Gustafson 18; Noah Jurek 3; Weston Hine 8; Michael
Hoffman 2.
(SJP Game) The Cubs stormed out to a 14-point lead only to see the Johnnies cut it to seven at the break (39-32). The second-half momentum belonged to SJP, as they grabbed the lead with less than five minutes remaining, and cruised to the victory.
?ÄúWe played very poorly defensively and allowed them to do what they wanted. We gave up too many second-chance opportunities in critical situations. I thought we also played very selfishly, rushing shots and trying to do everything individually instead of relying on teammates. This was a very disappointing loss!?Äù said Coach Klein. Cubs?Äô Scoring: Darius Westrich 17; Del Guerrero 12; Hayden Gagnon 3; Drew Gustafson 9; Levi Sodergren 4; Weston Hine 4; Michael Hoffman 14.
(Paynesville Game) Kimball set the tone early with a high energy level, attributed especially to Levi Sodergren, who started his first high school game. The Cubs?Äô defense was very good from the start, displaying good communication, contesting shots and
rebounding well. Kimball built a 37-12 halftime lead and never looked back.
?ÄúI thought our post play tonight was very good. The three people who played there amassed 19 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals and they hit 5 of 7 from the free-throw line. Hopefully this gets us back on track,?Äù Coach Klein said. Cubs?Äô Scoring: Darius Westrich 10; Hunter Ahlrich 5; Del Guerrero 17; Hayden Gagnon 8; Drew Gustafson 4; Levi Sodergren 7; Weston Hine 7; Michael Hoffman 5.
Kimball?Äôs senior guard #3 Darius Westrich finishes a fast break with a jumper v the Paynesville Bulldogs Friday, Jan. 20. Staff photo by Marguerite Laabs.