HASTINGS – Entering the Heartland Hoops Holiday Classic Saturday afternoon, Kearney aimed to keep their winning ways in order facing a winless Elkhorn North team at Hastings College. The Bearcats took care of business, controlling the contest from the opening tip and never trailed as Kearney won 68-56. Click here to listen to the broadcast replay.
The Bearcats returned from Omaha Buena Vista the night before riding a five game winning streak and looked to shake off any rust from their three games in three days stretch with a matchup against Class B’s Elkhorn North. The Wolves had fallen outside of favor from Lady Luck, losing their five of their first contests by single digits and dropping all six games to start the season.
Kearney wasted no time getting hot early, as Ben Johnson won the opening tip, then streaked down the floor for a thunderous dunk to set the tone early at Lynn Farrell Arena. Elkhorn North aimed to fight and claw their way back, following the lead from four different scorers in the opening minutes. Kearney appeared quicker, faster, and more aggressive coming out of a timeout leading 14-10, as the Bearcats put on a 12-3 run to end the first quarter up 26-13. The run was aided by sharp shooting from Karter Lee and Johnson, who combined for three-triples in the run. Jack Dahlgren also racked up six points in the opening quarter.
KHS BBB
Entering the second quarter, the Wolves began a short run to setup a competitive contest in Hastings. Elkhorn North’s Orgilbold racked up nine points in the second quarter, as Farrington knocked in a triple to aid the Wolves’ 14 points in the second quarter. The scoring may have slowed from the Bearcats, but did not completely stop as Kearney knocked down two triples by Treyven Beckman while Johnson added his own three pointer. As the second quarter concluded, Kearney maintained their lead up 41-27.
The Wolves began the third quarter red-hot, following the lead of junior Meckna as he rallied to 12 points in the quarter. Kearney did have Karter Lee knock in clutch three-pointers as Asher Endorf added a triple of his own as well. Ben Johnson continued his hot start with another three-pointer. On Elkhorn North’s side, three other scorers added eleven points as the Wolves took a 23-15 third quarter advantage into a 56-50 deficit entering the final quarter.
Kearney’s defense pressure caught up to the Wolves – holding them scoreless through the first few minutes of the fourth quarter and stalling Elkhorn North to only 6 fourth quarter points as Kearney exited Hastings winning 68-56 off strong play in the final eight minutes. Asher Endorf used his strong presence for another five points in the quarter.
KHS BBB
The Bearcats enter the holiday break at 6-1, having rattled off six straight wins after their season-opening loss to Creighton Prep. The Bearcats had contributions from Johnson with 21 points, Lee had 16, Endorf ended with 12, Dahlgren concluded with 9, and Beckman finished with 8.
Kearney awaits their seeding in the HAC Tournament, beginning play on Dec. 27.
