Hornets open season with a hectic schedule
The Cadott boys basketball team faced a tough schedule to open the season, beginning against Regis, then taking part in a weekend game at UW-Stout against Bloomer, and finishing up at Glenwood City.
Dec. 5 vs. Regis conference (L 68-49)
The Hornets kicked off their season at home, going up against Regis, who didn’t have an easy time against a hardworking Cadott team. When halftime rolled around, it was Cadott who controlled the scoreboard, 33-31.
“It was a hard fought game,” said coach Dusty Burish. “I was really impressed with the way the boys settled in against a strong conference team.”
The slim margin wouldn’t be enough, as Regis pulled away with nine minutes left in the second half, limiting Cadott to just 16 points. Regis then pulled away for a 68-49 victory.
“…But, the boys kept their heads up and played great basketball,” said Burish.
Scoring 23 points on the night, was senior Mason Poehls, who picked up right where he left off last season, providing the offensive punch, including five long range shots. Fellow senior Ben Steffes scored 14 points, while senior Mitch Drilling added 5 and freshman Tegan Ritter chipped in with 3 points.
Dec. 7 vs. Bloomer non-conference (L 57-45)
Two days later, the Hornets made the trek to UW-Stout, facing off in a weekend game against Bloomer.
Cadott was limited to just 18 points in the first half, but stepped up their offense in the second, to almost double the scoreboard. However, Bloomer built on their nine-point halftime lead, pulling away for a 57-45 win.
Dec. 9 vs. Glenwood City non-conference (W 77-39)
A snowstorm didn’t stop Cadott from their game, with Glenwood City coming to visit. On their home court, the Hornets’ offense kicked into overdrive.
“The boys came to play tonight in the first half,” said Burish. “They created some turnovers that led to some easy buckets when we put the press on.”
Poehls again had a big night scoring, racking up 26 points, while Drilling came into his own, knocking down 21 points for the Hornets.
“Mitchell Drilling found his stride, after I told him after the Bloomer game, ‘If I tell you to score in blocks, score,” said Burish. “And that’s what he did tonight against Glenwood City.”
Junior Brad Irwin chipped in with 8 points, while fellow junior Cole Sopiarz added 4 points. Steffes and freshman Eddie Mittermeyer contributed 3 points each.
“We also moved the ball well to get it into the post,” said Burish of the win.
