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Pecatonica holds off Winnebago in boys’ basketball season opener
By Trenten Scheidegger
The Pecatonica Indians opened their basketball season with a win when they played host to the Winnebago Indians on Dec. 6.
Although it was the season opener for Pecatonica, it was already the fourth game for Winnebago’s season. Despite that, it was Pecatonica who looked like they were in mid-season form in the opening quarter. Pecatonica’s offense quickly jumped out to a double-digit lead that they maintained throughout the night.
It was Cooper Hoffman who wasted no time in getting his senior basketball season started. Hoffman quickly attacked the Winnebago defense as he put up six points in the opening quarter.
The most impressive part of Pecatonica’s first quarter of the season was their ability to spread the ball around. Seven different players from Pecatonica scored in the first quarter as they put their versatility on display. Behind Hoffman’s six points was Jordan Gassman with four, and Brody Black with three. Jaxon Diedrich, Joshua Jennings, Zion Braimah, and Cooper Hamilton each scored in the opening quarter.
Winnebago didn’t have that same offensive spark to open the game. They scored just six points in the first quarter. Brody Larson’s two for two trip to the free throw line was a bright spot in the quarter. Myles Smith and Bryant Beck added first quarter baskets, but Winnebago went into the second already trailing 20-6.
That was the story of the day for Pecatonica’s season opener. Even with Hoffman in limited minutes, Pecatonica maintained their lead throughout the night. Gassman hit a big three-pointer to give him five points in the second. Diedrich added four points in the quarter, including going two for two in a trip to the line.
Winnebago tried to keep pace from three-point range to end the first half. Mitchell Cunningham, Aiden Shumate, and Beck each hit three-pointers in the second quarter. Winnebago actually managed to outscore Pecatonica in the second, although it was only by one point. Pecatonica would take a 35-22 lead into the halftime break.
After not scoring in the second quarter, Hoffman went right back to work in the third. With 10 points in the quarter, Hoffman scored almost 60% of the team’s third quarter points. Jennings added four points in the quarter as Pecatonica looked to open up their lead.
Pecatonica really managed to separate themselves with strong defensive quarters to open both halves. Bobby Heisler’s teams have no trouble scoring, but they managed to hold Winnebago to just fourteen points in the first and third quarters combined.
By the end of three, Pecatonica held a 52-30 lead. They continued to spread the love in the final quarter as six different Indians scored in the fourth. Hoffman finished the night with 20 points, which was enough to lead all scorers. Gassman had 11, and Jennings added nine in the victory.
Winnebago was led by Smith, who finished with 10 points. He was the only Winnebago player in double-figures, however, as Larson was next up with nine. Cunningham and Beck each finished with eight as Winnebago fell by a score of 66-51.
Winnebago is back in action on Thursday, Dec. 12, as they play host to East Dubuque at 7 p.m. At the same time, Pecatonica will be playing host to the Pearl City Wolves.
