The Gehlen Catholic boys basketball team bounced back in a nice way with a 53-13 victory over Akron-Westfield on Tuesday night.
The Jays were motivated to right the ship after a disappointing loss in their last game against Sibley-Ocheyedan last week. Head coach Eric Kellen says that turned into intensity on the defensive side that shut the Westerners down all night.
That defensive intensity held the Westerners to just three points the entire first half, and they all came at the free throw line. Akron-Westfield head coach Steven Husk says he was not used to the team that showed up in the first half, but he says they got better later in the game.
Gehlen Catholic was able to empty their bench in the win with 11 of the 12 players that played scoring on the night. Coach Kellen says he was happy to see the guys that came off the bench continue the momentum in the second half.
The Westerners continue to stay winless on the season sitting at 0-17 overall and 0-8 in the War Eagle Conference. In spite of the outlook, Coach Husk says he is happy with the progress the team has made all year, and he hopes it turns into some momentum late in the season.
Gehlen Catholic improves to 11-6 overall and 5-2 in the War Eagle Conference with the win. They face off with Remsen St. Mary’s on Friday which will prove to be another physical matchup. Coach Kellen says it will be important to take the game possession by possession to come out on top.
Mason Small led the Jays with 10 points on the night while Ronan Higman had six points to lead Akron-Westfield.
