Bears squeak past Wildcats; top BC
HARTINGTON — Laurel-Concord-Coleridge won a pair of games during the past week, both by three points.
The Bears traveled to Hartington on January 18 and defeated Hartington-Newcastle in Lewis & Clark Conference action, 50-47 then went to Battle Creek where they defeated the Braves 71-68 to improve to 12-3 on the season.
“We shot the ball very well against Battle Creek,” LCC coach Todd Erwin said. “We seem to be shooting better lately and it’s a good time of the year to get that going.”
Shooting particularly well is Jake Rath who fired in 16 points on the night and also grabbed 10 rebounds to complete a double-double.
The Bears also needed a come-from-behind surge in the final eight minutes to get over the hump and take the lead.
In fact, LCC trailed by five at the end of the third.
“We had our work cut out for us down the stretch,” Erwin said. “This was a great game for us to get us ready for what’s ahead.”
Evan Haisch and Lucas Rasmussen were right behind Rath 13 points each.
Freshman, Gibson Roberts had a quality night as he didn’t miss a shot. Going three-for-three from the 3-point line and two-for-two from the charity stripe to contribute 11 points.
Against the Wildcats, Erwin thought his team started a little lethargic.
“We needed to come out with more urgency and purpose,” Erwin said. “Thankfully, we got it together and came away with a win.”
Rath put the Bears on his back and poured in 24 points in the game.
Haisch added 13 and Grant Erwin chipped in six.
LCC was set to go to Osmond Jan. 25 before playing Wakefield in Laurel on Jan. 27 and hosting a make-up date with Walthill on Jan. 28 — all three games will be conference games. The Lewis & Clark Conference Tournament will get underway Jan. 31.
SCORING LCC – Jake Rath, 24; Evan Haisch, 13; Grant Erwin, 6; Wilton Roberts, 5; Deagan Puppe, 2. HNS – Jake Peitz, 17; Seth Pinkelman, 17; Bennet Sievers, 8; Riley Sudbeck, 5.
REBOUNDS LCC – Jake Rath, 10; Evan Haisch, 3; Deagan Puppe 3; Lucas Ras mussen, 3; Grant Erwin, 2; Wilton Roberts, 2. HNS – Bennet Sievers, 8; Riley Sudbeck, 6; Jake Peitz, 3; Seth Pinkelman, 3; Dayton Sudbeck, 3; Turner Dendinger, 1.
ASSISTS LCC – Wilton Roberts, 3; Evan Haisch, 1; Jake Rath, 1. HNS – Bennet Sievers, 3; Dayton Sudbeck, 3; Seth Pinkelman, 2; Riley Sudbeck, 2; Reece Morten, 1.
STEALS LCC – Evan Haisch, 3; Jake Rath, 3; Grant Erwin, 2; Wilton Roberts, 2; Deagan Puppe, 1; Gibson Roberts, 1. HNS – Dayton Sudbeck, 7; Jake Peitz, 4; Lane Heimes, 3; Seth Pinkelman, 3; Bennet Sievers, 2; Riley Sudbeck, 2; Turner Dendinger, 1.
BLOCKS LCC – Jake Rath, 2; Wilton Roberts, 1. HNS –Seth Pinkelman, 1; Bennet Sievers, 1; Riley Sudbeck, 1.
LCC 15 17 21 18 - 71
BC 15 24 19 10 - 68
LCC Grant Erwin 2 2-2 6; Wilton Roberts 2 0-0 5; Jake Rath 7 2-4 16; Lucas Rasmussen 5 2-4 13; Evan Haisch 4 3-4 13; Tyler Olson 1 0-0 2; Deagan Puppe 2 0-0 4; Gibson Roberts 3 2-2 11.
