Citizen Staff/James Wold
Horicon's Noah Johnson (0) tries to split Markesan's Greg Krenz (55) and Alex Dallman (10) Monday.
HUSTISFORD – Markesan boys basketball coach Josh Gibbons could not have been more pleased with his team’s start Monday.
Facing Horicon in the opening night of the Hustisford tournament, the Hornets hit seven of their first eight shots in taking an 18-5 lead.
Markesan never let the lead get below double-digits the rest of the night as the Hornets secured a 59-49 victory.
“They were ready to play,” Gibbons said. “We warmed up hard and jumped on (Horicon) right away.”
Six of Markesan’s first baskets came via assists. Great ball movement by the Hornets helped them shoot 52 percent in the first half in taking a 37-22 halftime lead.
Zach Schwoch led Markesan with five assists.
“When we share the ball and move our feet, we can score from anywhere,” Gibbons said. “We’re just looking to do that more consistently.”
As good as the Hornets (4-3) were, the Marshmen (1-6) made a late run in the first half. Connecting on five of its final seven shots, Horicon started to find a rhythm on the offensive end of the floor.
Andy Mueller had a big hand in that stretch, connecting on consecutive 3-pointers. The senior finished with 20 points and seven rebounds.
Markesan responded coming out of the halftime break as Alex Dallman drained two 3-pointers to push the Hornets’ lead to 19.
Balance was the word of the night for Markesan. Joe Quade led the Hornets with 14 points. Greg Krenz added 12 points and four rebounds. Dallman chipped in 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
“We’ve got six or seven guys who can score,” Gibbons said. “We’re a tough team to defend when we’re playing well.”
Barneveld 46
Hustisford 38
Despite holding Barneveld to 33 percent shooting from the field, 25 turnovers ultimately undid the hosts as the Golden Eagles downed Hustisford, 48-36, in the nightcap.
“Their defensive pressure took us out sync,” Falcons coach Kirk Kaul said. “That’s 25 opportunities lost to score.”
Michael Hopfinger had 17 points to lead the Falcons (1-5). Grant Nass had six rebounds while Adam Falkenthal chipped in five boards.
Barneveld’s balanced scoring attack was led by Logan Johnson with 10 points. Five other players scored at least five points.
“For the most part, we played good defense,” Kaul said. “I was pleased from that standpoint.”
In today’s matchups, Barneveld will take on Horicon at 6 p.m. Markesan will face the host Falcons in the nightcap.
MARKESAN 59, HORICON 49
Markesan 37 22 - 59
Horicon 22 27 - 49
MARKESAN – Laper 6, Silva 6, Schwoch 6, Chisnell 2, Kirst 2, Quade 14, Krenz 12, Dallman 11, Totals 23 7-11 59.
HORICON – Oechsner 9, Davidson 9, Reffke 5, Johnson 4, Mueller 20, Zimmerman 2, Totals 21 3-7 49.
3-Point Goals-Markesan 6 (Laper 1, Quade 2, Dallman 3), Horicon 4 (Oechsner 1, Davidson 1, Mueller 2). Total fouls-Markesan 14, Horicon 15.
BARNEVELD 46, HUSTISFORD 38
Barneveld 28 18 - 46
Hustisford 17 21 - 38
BARNEVELD – Peterson 8, Slaney 8, Mieden 5, Erfurth 5, Fenton 5, Kitelinger 2, Zander 2, Johnson 10, Carmody 1, Totals 17 8-13 46.
HUSTISFORD – Falkenthal 6, Katzer 6, Lehmann 5, Connolly 2, Nass 2, Hopfinger 17, Totals 15 4-6 38.
3-Point Goals-Barneveld 4 (Peterson 2, Mieden 1, Erfurth 1), Hustisford 4 (Lehmann 1, Hopfinger 3). Total fouls-Barneveld 11, Hustisford 12. Game Notes-JV - Markesan 49, Hustisford 44.