By Ben Priesgen
Journalist
On December 4, the Lomira boys’ basketball team defeated Winnebago Lutheran Academy 75-66 in a highly competitive conference season opener.
WLA (1-1, 0-1) took an early 7-3 lead before the Lions responded, thanks to two deep three-pointers from Charile Cole and five points from Blake Steger, to reclaim the lead for Lomira (2-0, 1-0) at 13-10.
The Vikings scored seven consecutive points to take a 17-13 lead when Jake Broeske showed how versatile a big man can be by scoring seven straight points for the Lions, showcasing his three-point shot and an offensive rebound putback, to take back the lead at 23-21 with less than five minutes to play in the first half.
The game was tied at 23 when Keegan Kell got into the scoring act with two important three-point makes for the Lions to give Lomira a 33-25 halftime lead.
WLA scored the first two points of the second half when the Lions went on a 7-0 scoring run, highlighted by Broeske’s defense blocking a shot, then altering another Viking shot and another Kell three-pointer to give Lomira a 40-27 lead.
“We are a great shooting team, and that can be both a blessing and a curse,” said Head Coach Nick Kohler. “At times we’ve relied on it too much early in the season, but when the shots fall, we can go on the kind of runs we’ve had in the first two games.”
Lomira held a 44-39 lead with 12 minutes left in the second half after WLA’s Gannan Schwartz came, willing the Vikings back into the game, but the Lions’ key three-pointers from Hunter Duley and Kell pushed their lead back to 51-40.
Every time the Vikings got close in the second half, it seemed like Kell would hit a big shot for the Lions to keep WLA at bay. Kell hit his fifth three-pointer and put Lomira up at 55-44.
“Keegan was incredible as an outstanding shooter and is due for a breakout year for us,” said Kohler.
Broeske scored an offensive rebound with less than four minutes to put the Lions’ lead at 61-54, but Schwartz wouldn’t quit for the Vikings when he knocked a three-pointer and layup to close the gap at 69-63 and gave himself a game-high 38 points for WLA.
The Lions were able to secure their 75-66 win thanks to hitting 14 free throws in the final two minutes for the conference victory.
Keegan Kell led the way with 23 points, and Jake Broeske scored 17 points with 11 rebounds to power the Lions in their conference matchup.
“It was a great test, and I’m glad we came out ready to play because we know we have a target on our backs in the conference with us able to find a way to win a tough game early in the year,” said Kohler.
Lomira boys’ basketball traveled to Laconia on December 9, after print time. The Lions then traveled to Campbellsport on December 12 at 7 p.m.
Game Summary
Thursday, December 4
WLA 25-41 66
Lomira 33-42 75
Final
Points: Keegan Kell 23. Jake Broeske 17. Blake Steger 13. Charlie Cole 11. Hunter Duley 5. Mason Schelvan 3. Cooper King 3.
Rebounds: Jake Broeske 11. Charlie Cole 6. Keegan Kell 4. Hunter Duley 4. Blake Steger 4. Mason Schelvan 4.
Assists: Charlie Cole 5. Jake Broeske 2. Blake Steger 2.
Steals: Keegan Kell 3
3pt: Keegan Kell 5. Charlie Cole 2. Hunter Duley 1. Jake Broeske 1. Cooper King 1.
FT: 21-28 (Blake Steger 7-10. Jake Broeske 6-8)
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