Chiefs wrap up regular season with three-game set

By Ginna Young

It was a hard week for the Cornell boys basketball program, as they dropped all three matches on the schedule.

Feb. 14 vs. Winter conference (L 79-73)

Hosting Winter to begin the three-game set, Cornell was prepared for a battle with the Warriors.

“This was a rollercoaster of a game, with all the lead changes and momentum shifts,” said coach Steve Parker. “It was nerve-racking to see Avery Turany drive to the basket and hit the floor hard on his opening possession layup, yet at the same time, I was thrilled to see him score his first varsity points of the season.”

Going into halftime, the Chiefs were only down by three points and never gave up, but nonetheless, Winter took the 79-73 win.

“It was an emotional game for our three seniors, with tonight being their last home game,” said Parker.

Senior Dylan Bowe played his best game of the year, almost notching a triple-double, with 34 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks, 3 steals and a drawn charge.

“I am proud of our team for playing unselfishly on offense, which is evident with the 19 assists the team totaled,” said Parker.

Sophomore Torren Parker followed that up with 15 points and 5 rebounds, while senior Blake Anders had 8 points, 7 rebounds and a block, and junior Jayden Joas-Shaw ended with 7 points and 3 assists. Junior Bentley Spangler came next, with 5 points and 5 assists, followed by sophomore Parker Modl, who added 2 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.

Turany also chipped in with 2 points, with junior Will Peterson adding a rebound.

“I would like to thank everyone in attendance and who watched the game online, for your continued support,” said S. Parker. “I can’t express enough, how much that means to the players.”

Feb. 17 vs. Flambeau conference (L 81-69)

“It’s exhausting to play from behind the entire game,” said S. Parker.

The Chiefs faced off with Flambeau for the next match, where they struggled to put points on the board.

“They had a slight advantage in the turnover and rebounding differentials,” said S. Parker. “Both teams gave up a lot of offensive rebounds.”

Cornell matched the Falcons point for point, but with the deficit from the first half, the Chiefs watched the game go to the home team, 81-69. During the contest, Cornell shot 70 percent from the charity stripe.

“I can’t complain about that percent, but wonder how the game would have turned out differently, if we hadn’t missed 10 free throws, considering we lost by 12,” said S. Parker.

Bowe again led for the Chiefs, with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks and 3 steals. Spangler was right behind, with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, while T. Parker followed with 14 points, 14 rebounds and a block.

Anders finished the night with 10 points, 7 rebounds and a steal, and sophomore Hunter Anders recorded 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals. Modl added 3 assists to the mix, along with 2 rebounds, and Peterson chipped in with 2 points and 2 rebounds.

“We will need to increase our accuracy to regain the competitive edge in future contests,” said S. Parker.

Feb. 20 vs. Greenwood non-conference (L 57-50)

Just ahead of a big snowstorm that was forecast, Cornell stepped out of the conference to take on Greenwood on the road.

It was a close game throughout, but the home team managed to pull out the win over Cornell, 57-50.

Spangler came up with the big points on the night, with 15, with B. Anders notching 11. Bowe was right behind, with 10, followed by Modl, with 7, T. Parker, with 3, and Shaw, with 2 points.

The Chiefs finish the regular season at 5-19 overall and 2-14 in East Lakeland Conference play.