JWP boys top NRHEG, win one in tournament

After losing the last two games, the JWP boys’ basketball team turned things around with a victory over NRHEG Tuesday, Dec. 20. The boys found success at the Tri-City United holiday tournament, too, with a win against LeSueur-Henderson.

Bulldogs 70, Panthers 50

The Bulldogs had their second-best game (and their first home victory) against conference rival NRHEG. “It was a big conference game, so it always feels good to pick up a win,” coach Nick James said.

The team was without junior Cole Schlueter, its tallest player and a top contributor. But it didn’t matter as others stepped up.

Memphis James put the team on his back with a 27-point night.

“Memphis puts a lot of time into his game during the offseason and also during the season,” James said. “It’s great to see him stepping up his development and leadership on the court.”

Bulldogs 71, Le Sueur-Henderson 52

JWP got into the groove offensively once again at the Tri-City United tournament Dec. 29 and 30. They started against Le Sueur-Henderson, a team that was 1-3.

James led the team with 26 points, with Daulton Bauer scoring 13. Other contributors were Ryan Kronbach 9, Caleb Quast 9, Austin Quast 8, Landon Johnson 2, Ethan Born 2, and Steven Dimmel 2.

TCU 55, Bulldogs 40

It was a great start for JWP. Despite a slow offense, the defense held TCU to 19 points. After a 24-19 half, however, the Titans figured things out on offense. On the flip side, JWP only compiled 16 points all half.

“We weren’t able to hit the basket as well that night,” James claimed. “Credit to Tri-City United. They played a great game.”

James led the team in points with 15 with Bauer supplying 13. Other contributors were Kronbach 7, Johnson 2, A. Quast 2, and C. Quast 1.

The boys hosted Blue Earth Area Thursday, Jan. 5 before traveling to United South Central the next day.