Chiefs topped in season finale against Blackhawks

Pairing up with Owen-Withee, out of the Cloverbelt Conference, the Cornell boys basketball program saw action Feb. 16, in first round Regionals at the Blackhawks’ court. The Chiefs came into the match-up ranked No. 7 in the bracket, while Owen-Withee was given a No. 2 seed.

It was a slow start for the Chiefs in the first part of the game, with Cornell only scoring 12 points. The Blackhawks took advantage of the scoring drought and notched 36 points before the break.

“Last night, the ball would just not fall in for us at the start of the game,” said coach Marcus Leland. “We got some really good looks, they just didn’t get in the hoop. This allowed for too big of a hole to overcome for us.”

Scoring improved for the Chiefs in the second half, but the Blackhawks continued to hammer in points and eventually claimed the victory, 67-31. The loss ended Cornell’s bid for advancement in the post-season.

“Overall, we saw good growth this season from the boys,” said Leland. “The seniors showed us some very good leadership and their legacy for the program, is how to persevere through difficult times.”

Senior Austin Bowe led his team, with 7 points, while freshman Blake Anders added 6 points and pulled down 7 rebounds. Senior Logan Shemick got on the board, with 5 points, and sophomore Dylan Bowe added 4 points.

Senior Davis Harshman, freshman Daniel Person and sophomore Bill Dekarske, each chipped in with 2 points.

“The season may not have gone entirely how we would have liked and we should have won a few more games,” said Leland, “but, the story for us, is how we were in so many more games this year, than last. We got some very valuable learning experiences, that should help us springboard into more success next year.”