Madelia vs host Cleveland in boys basketball action on Thursday could have easily gone either way, but the Blackhawks came out on top to beat the Clippers for the second time this year, this time 34-29.
Nathan Seeman scored from inside, Alex Johnson spun a Mason Kluntz handoff in for a bucket, and Gavin Karels airmailed a three to put the Clippers in front by a point 7-6, but the Blackhawks responded with a three and then went on the warpath with six steals and eight more points for an 11-point spurt that put them up 17-7.
The Clipper offense found a handle on the ball after that though, and Madelia didn’t score again before the intermission. Meanwhile, Braeden Smith spun in a Johnson pass and then drove through the lane for another bucket. With a Nathan Brink three from the corner just before halftime, the Clippers only trailed by a basket, 17-15.
Madelia stole and scored for the first basket of the second half, but Kluntz took an inbounds pass in for a basket, and Johnson twisted for two more points to even the game 19-19. Madelia scored twice from the floor, but Alex Kortuem arced in a three, and Smith made the second of two foul shots, and it was all even again.
The Blackhawks scored the next seven points for a lead they never let go. After baskets by Smith, Seeman and Kortuem, the Clippers had a chance to tie with 8 seconds left, but their three was off the mark. Madelia made two free throws after to put the finishing touches on the win.
No Clipper reached double figures. Smith led the effort with seven points. Kortuem had five points. Karels, Seeman and Johnson each had four points. Brink had three points, and Kuntz added a basket.
The Clippers scored nine points from behind the arc and made two of eight from the foul line. Madelia had one three-point basket and was just three of 13 in free throw shooting.
The B boys host New Ulm Cathedral on Tuesday. That game is after the varsity game and at 7:30 pm in the old gym.
Above: With coach Travis Mons watching, Alex Kortuem looks for an open teammate.
Nathan Brink eyes the basket as he uncoils a shot.
Braeden Smith dives for a loose ball.
Tanner Simonette looks to pass to Mason Kluntz.