After defeating C1 #5 O’Neill on the Eagles’ home court last Monday, Boone Central/Newman Grove figured to move up a notch or two in the class standings.
Even a small setback Saturday at Guardian Angels Central Catholic did not alter that scenario, as the Cardinals check in at #5 in this week’s Omaha World-Herald C1 Top 10.
BC/NG, although 8-4, has earned that position against a tough slate. Three of the Cards’ four losses were to Class B #7 Bennington, C1 #8 Pierce and C2 #9 Guardian Angels. Along with the recent win over O’Neill, BC/NG also added a victory over 11-4 Stanton Friday night.
That 74-58 triumph over the Mustangs at Newman Grove earned the praise of first-year Coach Justin Harris.
“I thought we played with great energy throughout the game,” Harris said. “We did a good job of attacking and then finding shooters. The boys did an excellent job of finding Keaton (Henry) for some easy shots.
“We are definitely seeing flashes of how great a team we can be.”
Unfortunately, Saturday’s contest at West Point was a different game and a different result for Boone Central/Newman Grove, as the Cardinals scored just eight points in the fourth period of a 52-50 loss.
BC/NG had another strong start, taking a 17-13 lead after one quarter of play, and fought off a GACC rally in the second period to lead 29-22 at intermission. The Cardinals remained on top until failing to match the Bluejays in a game-ending 15-8 run.
“We had a great start to the game. When they were able to tie in the second quarter, we answered back with a big run of our own,” Harris noted. “When they made the run in the second half, we just didn’t have the answer we needed.”
In one of the marquee Class C1 games of the week, Boone Central/Newman Grove will host #2 Scotus Thursday night (8 p.m.).
Further details in Print & Online editions of Albion News
