Darn it -- Game #2

Mid-Prairie Boys 61,

West Liberty 40

The Golden Hawks bulled their way past the West Liberty Comets in Wellman on January 7 despite losing two of their key big men during the first quarter of the game.

Jordon Yotty and Dylan Hochstetler both went down with injuries before the first quarter was finished.

“Our two post players – Jordon Yotty and Dylan Hochstetler – only played about 5 minutes each before leaving the game with injuries,” said Coach Showatler. “So this put some of our players in different roles against a very competitive West Liberty squad. This cut our substitution rotation as Justin Hochstetler, Ryan Harris and Alex McKee-Crow had to play more minutes than normal.”

The Comets managed seven first-quarter points and trailed 32-19 at halftime as the Golden Hawks’ press was too much for them to handle.

“Our defense was excellent in holding West Liberty to only 40 points causing 22 turnovers and scoring 22 points on these turnovers,” commented Showalter. “Our guards – Robby Mostek, Michael Aldeman and Christian Swartzentruber -  set the tone without our post players tonight by keeping good pressure on their shooters. Mostek played a good floor game with his passing and defense. Aldeman and Swartzentruber again led us offensively but did the job on the boards as well. Without the two post players, Jaemin Powell was our rebound leader in the game with some great effort on the boards.”

Powell snagged seven rebounds and scored eight points for the Hawks in the win.

Michael Aldeman led his team with 27 points including a 10-10 effort from the free-throw line, and 1-7 three-point shooting. Swartzentruber netted 12 points, going 4-11 from the field and netting four three-pointers. Justin Hochstetler shot 3-5 from the field to finish with six points, Ryan Harris scored four, and Robby Mostek and Jordan Yotty both netted two each.

Alex McKee-Crow, who plays off the bench, saw considerable action at the post for the Golden Hawks on Friday.

“At first it’s a little nerve racking because I haven’t got as much playing time as I’d like to have,” said McKee-Crow. “But once I get in there for a little while I get used to it. I’ve been practicing with the varsity squad all season long so we push it out in practice so I’m used to it.”

Jordon Yotty came out of the game when he got knocked in the eye during a scramble for a rebound in the first quarter. He was taken to the hospital to examine his eye.

“He’s a big factor on our team,” said McKee-Crow who often practices opposite Yotty. “We’re about the same height but he definitely has the weight advantage on me. He just makes you better because you have that kind of physical guy going against you all the time.”

Dylan Hochstetler hobbled off the court after turning his ankle on the offensive side of the court just minutes after Yotty went out. McKee-Crow said he’s pretty sure it was a minor injury and that Hochstetler would be back for the Golden Hawks soon.

“It’s a shame that he’s kind of hurt already but I have a feeling that he’s going to be back real soon,” said McKee-Crow. “It’s great to have him ready and healthy again.”

With their first swing through the Cedar Valley Conference lineup nearly over, the Golden Hawks have a pair of loses they’re eager to avenge – losses to West Branch and Regina. They’ll host West Branch later this week, and face Regina again on January 18.