In an Eastern Cloverbelt Conference matchup between the Gilman Pirates and Owen-Withee Blackhawks on Friday, the Blackhawks took charge early in the game and were consistent throughout on both ends to win by a 72-48 final score.
A pair of free throws by Jack Wendler after an inside foul and a steal and lay-in by Clay Mueller set the tone. Sam Wells hit a deep three for a 7-0 advantage. Clay Mueller and Jack Wendler again scored on a lay-up and putback, as the Blackhawks continued to pressure the Pirates on defense. Preston Fritz later hit Colton Paczkowski for a 15-foot jumper in the lane. The Hawks later went up 29-14 on a Fritz jumper, Paczkowski three, and inside hoop by Wendler. Talon Mueller finished the half with a solid inside hoop off a Paczkowski pass as the Hawks led 33-15 at the half.
A three from Fritz and a fastbreak as Paczkowski hit Talon Mueller for a lay-up got the Blackhawks started in the second half. Another inside score by Wendler, Paczkowski three, and a drive by Clay Mueller pushed the score to 47-23. As the second half continued the Hawks moved the ball well and continued to attack the rim with multiple players scoring. The Blackhawks built the lead to 30 at one point and then finished the Pirates off by a final score of 70-48.
The Blackhawks outrebounded the Pirates 45-28, and finished with 15 assists and 12 turnovers.
Box Score: Wendler 18 pts, 14 rebs; Fritz 18 pts, 10 rebs, 4 asts, 2 stls; Talon Mueller 9 pts, 4 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls; C. Mueller 8 pts, 6 rebs, 2 asts, 3 stls; Paczkowski 8 pts, 5 rebs, 3 asts; Steven Negron 6 pts, 2 rebs; Wells 3 pts, 2 rebs, 2 asts; Treankler 2 pts; Pyrchalla 1 reb, 1 stl.
Coach's Comments
The guys came ready and moved the ball really well. Players stepped up with Winston ill tonight, as we hit the boards extremely hard and it paid off with 21 second chance points. The guys took care of business tonight and now we move forward towards the end of regular season.