Cards start to realize their potential with win over Pirates
RANDOLPH — The Randolph Cardinals headed into the Lewis and Clark Conference Tournament this week as the sixth seed in the bottom division and did so having begun to find their mojo.
They opened the tournament against Homer at Allen on Monday. The second round will continue on Thursday.
Randolph, 4-11, prior to tourney action, defeated Plainview 49-38 Thursday.
The Cards crept out to a 28-19 halftime lead and then held on to an overall comfortable margin the rest of the way.
“The key to the first quarter was Justin Haselhorst’s ability to drive,” Randolph head coach Jim Hixson said. “He took it to the hole very well and caused one of Plainview’s better players to collect three fouls in the first quarter. This was key in the second quarter when we outscored them 17-11.
“Although Justin had fewer points than normal his ability to draw fouls in that first quarter was key.”
Collyn Beal led the Cardinals with 16 points and eight rebounds, while big man Sam Korth hit two key free throws late to sew up the win and added 12 boards.
“Collyn is playing his best basketball of the year,” Hixson said. “We have considered starting him; however, he seems to have a comfort level coming off the bench. He is playing so well our thoughts are why mess up a good thing.
“Rebounding on the night was another key. Led by Sam and Collyn, we out rebounded Plainview 32-17. That was a significant impact on the game.”
The team’s overall shooting got the job done, but Hixson was disappointed in the free throw work and emphasized the team will get back to work from the charity stripe.
Tom Korth was pleased with the way his teammates played in the win over Plainview. “We started off slow this season
“We started off slow this season because we always play tough teams, but we just had to figure things out,” he said. “We had to play more as a team and not individual players. We started passing the ball around and getting inside looks. Then we started playing better.
“We also stopped turning the ball over so much. The fullcourt press, we’d sometimes break it and sometimes we wouldn’t. Our crosscourt passes would be too slow and they’d get stolen. We really had to slow it down and control the rhythm of the game.”
They are getting better, but the Cardinals still have plenty of room to develop as a squad. “We really got to work on our baseline
“We really got to work on our baseline (attacks),” Tom Korth said. “We also got to get back on defense, because sometimes we have a tough time getting back and get beat.
“We always have room to grow, but I think we can come out and surprise some people. We keep getting better and better.”
SCORING
Randolph - Collyn Beal, 16; Tristan Mosel, 13; Sam Korth, 8; Jacob Calder, 6; Justin Haselhorst, 4; Tom Korth, 2.
REBOUNDS
Randolph - Sam Korth, 12; Collyn Beal, 8; Tristan Mosel, 7; Jacob Calder, 3; Tyson Junck, 2.
ASSISTS
Randolph - Justin Haselhorst, 11; Jacob Calder, 2; Saam Korth, 2; Tyson Junck, 1; Tristan Mosel, 1.
STEALS Randolph - Jacob Calder, 2; Collyn Beal, 1; Tristan Mosel,
Randolph - Jacob Calder, 2; Collyn Beal, 1; Tristan Mosel, 1; Justin Haselhorst, 1.
