The Gehlen Catholic boys kept their undefeated War Eagle Conference record intact on Tuesday night with a 50-46 win over previous conference unbeaten Hinton.
After losing to Hinton by 20 points earlier in the year, the Jays knew that they had to toughen up their brand of basketball. Gehlen Catholic head coach Ryan Wiltgen challenged the guys, and they responded well.
The physical way Gehlen played seemed to give Hinton problems throughout the game. Hinton came into the game averaging 64 points per game and was held to just 18 points in the first half and 46 for the game. Hinton head coach John Spies says they could not get into what they wanted to do with the ball.
Hinton was not going to take the game lying down though. The Blackhawks chipped a 10-point deficit at the half down to four points and tied the game at 42 in the fourth quarter. Coach Wiltgen says that meant his guys needed to make some big shots, and they did that.
Ultimately, Hinton squandered many chances to complete the comeback. The Blackhawks finished 5-17 from the free throw line and 1-17 from the three-point arch. Coach Spies says his guys have to be more consistent in those two categories.
Hinton has a 10-game winning streak come to an end and drops to 10-2 overall and 5-1 in the War Eagle Conference. Coach Spies says a loss like this can hopefully refocus the team heading into the homestretch of the season.
The Jays are now 10-5 overall and 5-0 in the War Eagle Conference remaining in a tie for first place. Gehlen wraps up a stretch where they played four games in five days going 3-1 in those games. The Jays are done with games for the rest of the week, and Coach Wiltgen says he is eager for the guys to get refreshed with some practices.
Hinton is back to work on Friday at home against Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn. Gehlen Catholic is in action again on Monday at Woodbury Central.