Hornets split games as season winds down

Two more games completed the Cadott boys basketball schedule over the week, with both the match-ups away for the Hornets.

Feb. 2 vs. Altoona conference (L 80-67) Things started out slow for Cadott in the West Cloverbelt Conference match, with Altoona going into halftime with a comfortable 14-point lead. However, the Hornets wouldn’t be silenced.

Scoring was evenly matched throughout the second half, but because of the deficit, Cadott couldn’t catch up before time ran out on the clock. The game went the way of the Rails, 80-67.

“The boys played great team ball on the offensive end,” said coach Dusty Burish. “The best our offense looked all season.”

Sophomore Tegan Ritter led for the Hornets, knocking down three shots from long range and finishing the night with 22 points. Senior Brad Irwin was right behind, bringing in 19 points, followed by senior Cole Sopiarz, with 12 points, who also hit two, three-pointers.

Junior Ryan Sonnentag added 8 points, including three of those from beyond the arc, while senior Andy Falkenberg contributed 6 points.

Feb. 8 Thorp conference (W 50-47)

Next up, was Thorp, where the Hornets traveled for a close game.

It was Cadott by a slight margin at the break, 25-23, and the second half was almost a repeat of the first. The Hornets scored another 25 points, while the Cardinals came away with 24.

When the final buzzer rang and all was tallied, it was Cadott who claimed victory, with a 50-47 win.

Sopiarz led with 22 points, including two shots from beyond the arc, with Falkenberg next, with 10 points. Freshman Jordan Peters also got in on the three-point action with two, ending with 8 points.

Sonnentag also knocked down a three-pointer, finishing with 7 points, while sophomore Blake Irwin knocked one down from long range for his 3 points. Freshman Brodee Burish chipped in with 2 points.

On the season, the Hornets sit at 4-11 overall and 3-9 in conference action.