‘Cats to host Walthill, Cedar has some time off

CEDAR CATHOLIC

Games this Week: None. Next up, 6 p.m. Dec. 27 at Wayne State College vs. Hastings St. Cecilia.

Outlook: It will be a quiet week for the Trojans as they take some time off to work on their games and enjoy the Holidays. They will ride into the break coming off the win at O’Neill that moved the team to 2-0 to start the season.

Last week’s results: Won at O’Neill, 65-46.

Coach Matt Steffen Comments: “O’Neill was a very fundamentally sound team, that gave us a lot of trouble with their 2-1-2 zone press and defense. The game was much closer than the final score, with us up 38-36 entering the final frame. All the boys stepped up in the last period, made shots and we finished strong. It was a great learning experience for our young team.

“Carson Arens came off the bench and made four out of five three-pointers and really gave us a spark. I was happy with our defensive effort and believe that was the difference in the end.”

HARTINGTON-NEWCASTLE

Games this Week: 7:30 p.m. Friday vs. Walthill

Outlook: The Wildcats hope to leave the week playing better team ball with a complete game and a reduction in mental errors.

Last week’s results: Beat Wakefield, 71-47; Lost to Pierce 50-47

Coach Nick Haselhorst Comments: “Against Wakefield we played a complete game on both ends of the floor. Offensively and defensively we set the tone early with great intensity and execution. We lost to Pierce in a hard-fought, grind it out game. We are disappointed with the outcome and we feel like we let that one slip away. We had some critical errors in a second quarter stretch and in the final two minutes of the game, we need to learn to make better decisions in those situations. A few calls went against us late that hurt us, but ultimately, we gave away too many possessions and didn’t capitalize on some opportunities.

“Our team is doing well but we’ve learned some hard lessons four games into the season.  We need to continue to learn and grow quickly. I like our competitive spirit and ability to battle back through some adversity.  We need to learn to play together as a team for four quarters.”  

WYNOT

Games this Week: 8 p.m. Friday vs. Wausa; 6 p.m. Saturday vs. Randolph

Outlook: The coaching staff wants to see the Blue Devils cut down their turnovers and improve all areas of the game.

Last week’s results: Lost to Guardian Angels, 73-43; Lost to Osmond, 50-28.

Coach Lee Heimes Comments: “We have put together two or three good quarters and are looking to put four good quarters together.  I like the fight we have in us and are continually trying to get better. Both games we came out of the start of the game and played well.  We need to build on that and play four quarters of good basketball.