Spencer boys narrowly lose to Cadott Hornets
By Valorie Brecht The Spencer Rockets boys basketball team played Cadott at home Friday night, right after the girls. This non-conference opponent proved to provide a challenge for the Rockets.
Spencer went on a 9-point run to start the game, going up 11-2. However, it was short-lived, as the Hornets battled back and overtook the Rockets, going up 27-22. Spencer was able to close the gap and even go ahead, ending the half with a 35-33 lead. Spencer remained in the lead to start the second half, but Cadott quickly took over and held on to that lead, if just barely, for the rest of the game. Cadott ended up taking the win, 71-68.
“I expected a competitive game against Cadott. There aren’t any teams that we should take for granted or overlook,” said Spencer coach Charles Jennings.
“The game really came down to shooting percentage and defense. We shot only 35% from two-point range to their 46%. Our defense allowed Cadott to take some uncontested threes and our help defense gave up some easy baskets. I’m not sure if our guys were tired from the game the night before or not. We also had two players not eligible to play because they missed the first hour of class Friday with unexcused absences.”
The scoring breakdown for Spencer was as follows: Sam Bezlyk 27 (including 11 two-pointers), NoahAnderson 14, Drake Johnson 9, Weston Nieman 9, Breckin Miller 8 and Benjamin Felgner 1.
The Spencer boys made 44% of their 3-point attempts, compared to Cadott’s 48%.
Girls game, fundraiser The Spencer girls played Cadott earlier in the evening, and came away with the win, 57-54. Autumn Davis led in scoring for the girls, with 28 points. She had three 3-pointers and nine 2-pointers. Other point scorers were Emma Nieman (13), Ema Schultz (7), Montanna Kohls (3), Alexa Weber (2), Hannah Schreiner (2) and Kaydence Plaskey (2).
The night also served as a fundraising event for mental health awareness. Basketball players wore t-shirts, sponsored by Spencer Youth Recreations, that read “Be Kind to Your Mind.” There was also a Scotty’s Pizza and Chicken pizza fundraiser, 50/50 raffle and basket raffle with gift baskets donated by various local businesses and individuals. All proceeds will go to the Spencer school counselors and wellness team, the NationalAlliance on Mental Illness – Wisconsin, and Central Wisconsin Mental Health Associates. The 50/50 raffle raised $397 for these organizations.
Above left, Sam Bezlyk outruns his Cadott opponents and scores for Spencer on Jan. 3. Above middle, Noah Anderson sends a free throw shot up and in. Above right, Spencer’s Weston Nieman scores from 3-point range. To right, Anderson looks to pass.
VALORIE BRECHT/STAFF PHOTO
