The Cubs were a little overwhelmed by a good Annandale team Tuesday, Dec. 20, losing 59-43. However, on Thursday,
Dec. 22, the boys bounced back and edged-out Milaca, 74-69.
Annandale Game: Kimball looked nervous to start the game, and finding open shooters was a struggle. Annandale shot the ball very well and posted a 14-point lead at the half. The Cubs made a couple of runs in the second half, but they could not close the gap.
?ÄúThis was a great test for us after a 5-0 start. I think it brought us back to reality and gave us a number of things to work on over the break,?Äù said Coach Jay Klein. Cubs?Äô Scoring: Darius Westrich 6; Del Guerrero 5; Drew Gustafson 16; Weston Hine 8; Michael Hoffmann 8.
Milaca Game: Kimball started out on fire, jumping ahead 26-11. The Wolves fought back, pounding the offensive boards (13 in the first half) and getting a lot of second and third-shot opportunities. Following a Kimball eight-point halftime advantage, Milaca was able to grab the lead at 69-68, with under a minute remaining. Michael Hoffmann forced a turnover and was able to convert a lay-up to give the Cubs a 70-69 lead. After a defensive stop, Hayden Gagnon broke free for another easy lay-up, and teammate Del Guerrero converted two free-throws to make the Cubs?Äô performance boffo.
?ÄúMilaca exploited a lot of weaknesses that we will need to work on over the break. Overall, I am happy with our 6-1 start,?Äù said Coach Jay Klein. Cubs?Äô Scoring: Darius Westrich 11; Del Guerrero 26; Hayden Gagnon 13; Drew Gustafson 7; Levi Sodergren 2; Weston Hine 4; Michael Hoffman 11.
Cubs basketball faced Milaca Dec. 22, winning 74-69. Michael Hoffmann is seen finishing a fastbreak late in the game to put the Cubs back in the lead. Staff photo by Marguerite Laabs.