The Owen-Withee Blackhawks and Athens Blue Jays traveled to the Oshkosh Arena, home of the Wisconsin Herd, to play against each other and to showcase their programs. The Blue Jays used a strong offensive performance in the second half to outduel the Blackhawks 61-53.
The Blackhawks jumped out to an early 9-2 lead to begin the game and scored on seven straight possessions starting with a strong drive from Preston Fritz and five points from Colton Paczkowski, including a three off a Clay Mueller pass. Senior Jack Wendler followed that up with a three of his own and an inside hoop making it 17-6. More offense from Talon Mueller and Winston Poehler kept the lead as Athens found their offense and made a run of their own. A cut and a hoop from Fritz and a drive by Talon Mueller netted four points for the Hawks. However, Athens would finish the half on an 8-0 run cutting into the Blackhawks' halftime lead at 31-27.
The teams would continue in a close contest throughout the second half as Talon Mueller and Wendler hit threes to keep the game close, tied at 43-43. A steal and lay-up by Clay Mueller along with a three by him, gave the Hawks a slim lead. Poehler drained a three on the next possession to make it 52-49. The Blackhawks offense then went dry, only scoring on one of their last 12 possessions as Athens took advantage and the game, 61-53.
The Blackhawks shot 8 of 19 from three-point range and out rebounded the Blue Jays by three.
Box Score: Wendler 17 pts, 3 rebs, 2 blks; Poehler 8 pts, 11 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls; Talon Mueller 7 pts, 6 rebs, 2 asts; Fritz 7 pts, 6 rebs, 2 stls; Clay Mueller 6 pts, 4 asts, 2 stls; Paczkowski 5 pts, 5 rebs, 4 asts, 2 stls; Pyrchalla 3 pts.
Coach's Comments
We played hard as always and our offense was balanced in the second half as we were moving the ball well. In the second half, we scored but not consistently as we didn't finish some great opportunities as we just couldn't get the ball to fall at the end.
It was a great experience for all of our players in the program to play at Oshkosh and then watch the Herd vs. the Knicks afterwards. Thanks for the donations from the Owen-Withee Booster Club, Forward Bank and Dee Wells, as the program and the players are very appreciative in helping make this event happen.