Indians too hot for Comets

BOYS BASKETBALL: WAUKON 71, CHARLES CITY 64

Indians too hot for Comets

Press Correspondent

“Warm” is the not the adjective one could use to describe Comet Gym Tuesday night.

Spectators were bundled up in long sleeves, sweatshirts, and jackets against this January cold snap.

“Warm” is also not the adjective that could be used to describe the three-point shooting done by both the Waukon Indians and Charles City Comets.

“Sizzling” would be the best term to describe that.

Waukon hit 10 3-pointers while the Comets hit nine of their own in a 71-64 Indian victory in a make-up game from Jan. 8.

As befitting a game with such good shooting, both teams started quickly. Waukon hit four shots from beyond the arc in the first quarter while the Comets hit three.

In addition, Cade Hemeseth stroked in two baseline jumpers for Charles City, and Shane Feller scored six quick points. It led to a 19-19 tie after one.

Waukon pulled away a bit in the second, outscoring the Comets 19-13 to lead 38-32 at halftime.

A somewhat slow start to the third quarter let Waukon grab their largest lead at 47-34 halfway through the period. A timeout by Charles City seemed to regenerate the Comets. Mike Cranshaw hit a three out of the right corner, Hemeseth hit a left elbow jumper, and the deficit was eventually chipped down to nine with eight minutes left.

The fourth quarter saw Waukon keep just enough ahead to stay comfortable, although the Comets sliced the lead to six at one point. The Indians, however, continued to hit just enough free throws and three-point field goals to stifle any Comet threat.

“We kept it close,” Comet coach Todd Forysth said. “It was right there for us. We just couldn’t quite get enough stops to bring us all the way back.

“That fourth quarter was one where we got good shots, they just didn’t go in.”

Cranshaw scored 28 points — 20 of which came in the second half.

“His confidence grows daily,” Forsyth said. “The biggest deal for all players, but for young players in particular, is to gain confidence and know your coaches believe in you. Mike is making those things happen.”

Forsyth believes a few more stops defensively could have allowed the Comets a chance at winning the game.

“Our defense had a breakdown just about every possession,” he said. “Different guys, different spots. We need to focus on everyone doing their job every time down the floor. Our defense needs to get better.

“We’re not a ‘young’ team anymore. We are experienced. We need to keep growing.”

Noah Schlader had 9 points, Hemeseth scored 8, Jack Molstead and Shane Feller each had 6, Brandt Gabel had 5, and Jaden Foster had two.

With the loss, the Comets fall to 4-8 overall (3-5 NEIC) while Waukon improves to 8-8 overall (4-3 NEIC).

By Erik Hoefer