Late free throws lift Wildcats over Hornets

Blair-Taylor led for most of the game, but needed to make free throws down the stretch to clinch the win.

The Hornets cut what had been a double-digit lead to just three with less than a minute remaining, but the Wildcats executed in the final minute to secure a 68-63 win.

The win put B-T at 9-7 overall (4-4 in Dairyland Conference play) before they hosted Independence on Tuesday of this week. On Friday, they’re slated to go to Alma/Pepin before playing Royall at Just A Game Field House in Wisconsin Dells on Saturday. Next Thursday, they’ll play at Eleva-Strum.

B-T 68 AC Lincoln 63

The Wildcats seemed to finally be in control of what had been a close game, but the Hornets made one last push.

B-T led by three at halftime, but stretched the advantage to 11 with about six minutes to play. Coach Randy Storlie said his team had some costly turnovers and missed free throws, which allowed the Hornets to cut the lead to three points with less than a minute remaining.

The Wildcats executed in the final minute, however, making free throws to clinch the win.

“This was a really good high school basketball game. Lots of very good plays for both teams,” Storlie said. “Our guys did what they had to do down the stretch and I am so proud of their efforts.” 

Evan Nehring came through with a career-high 31 points to lead B-T, while also pulling down a team-best 13 rebounds. Jaren Swanson added 21 for the Wildcats.

B-T (field goals/attempts-free throws/attempts-rebounds-points) — Kniseley 1/5-3/6-2-6 Waldera 0/2-2/2-1-2 Shramek 0/2-0/0-4-0 Arneson 1/2-0/0-1-2 Swanson 6/10-4/6-2-21 Armitage 3/3-0/0-4-6 Nehring 12/17-5/7-13-31