Poehls hits 1,000 as Cadott nears post-season action

The Cadott boys basketball program saw a three-game set as their regular season draws to a close, taking on conference opponents Altoona and McDonell, before heading out of the conference to face Flambeau.

Feb. 18 vs. Altoona conference (L 92-62)

The Hornets hit the road to face off against Altoona, but the home team proved too tough on the scoreboard.

Cadott ended the first half down, going into halftime with a 52-28 score. The Hornets scored better in the second, holding Altoona to just 40 points, opposed to Cadott’s 34. It wouldn’t be enough and Cadott dropped the match-up, 92-62.

“The score don’t tell the truth,” said coach Dusty Burish. “The boys played a great game and didn’t quit, it’s just hard to cover that many good athletes on a good team. I was proud of how the boys played.”

Leading the charge for the Hornets, was junior Brad Irwin, with 16 points, followed by junior Cole Sopiarz, with 14 points, six of those coming from three-point land. Senior Mason Poehls also splashed a three, recording 9 points.

Freshman Tegan Ritter ended the night with 8 points, while senior Ben Steffes knocked two from beyond the arc for 6 points. Freshman Eddie Mittermeyer added 4 points, sophomore Ryan Sonnentag chipped in with a three-pointer and senior Mitch Drilling rounded things out with 2 points.

Feb. 21 vs. McDonell conference (L 76-53)

Three days later, the Hornets hosted McDonell, with a close first half on the books. Cadott was only down by two at halftime, but the Macks long-range shooting couldn’t be overcome. Cadott ended the night with a 73-56 senior night loss.

“Was a great game, just couldn’t pull it off the last five minutes of the game,” said Burish. “McDonell’s deep shooter hit some big threes to help pull away, along with a few turnovers.”

Poehls nailed three long range shots for 18 points, while Drilling came next with 10 points. Sopiarz had 9 and Irwin ended with 8. Mittermeyer hit a three, finishing with 5 points and Steffes also knocked down a three-pointer.

Feb. 24 vs. Flambeau non-conference (L 76-53)

Cadott was again on the road, this time taking on Flambeau, made memorable by Poehls recording his 1,000th point.

The Hornets came out hot, taking a 16-point lead into halftime. Flambeau rallied in the second half and though the game was much closer, Cadott pulled off a 65-44 victory.

“The boys played great, moved the ball very well,” said Burish.

Poehls racked up 23 points, with four, three-pointers to his credit. Mittermeyer nailed a three, finishing with 11 points. Sopiarz also knocked down a couple threes, ending with 10 points.

Drilling ended his night with 8 points, while Irwin had 9 and Ritter notched a three, scoring 4 points. Steffes rounded things out with 2 points.