The first highlight in Wadena-Deer Creek's boys' basketball season came Jan. 9 when they stunned defending section champ Crosby-Ironton on their home court.
The second came on Friday night as the Wolverines proved the January victory was no fluke by sweeping the Rangers with a 61-58 victory in Wadena.
The Wolverines proved they can shoot with the best in the Mid-State Conference by canning 22 of 43 floor shots for a healthy 51 percent and making all eight of their free throws good.
A breakout game by Kevin Tumberg and a pair of free throws by Jordan Reed with eight seconds left carried the Wolverines to their fifth straight victory.
Tumberg took over the role shared by 1,000-point scorer Donny Tabery and shooting ace Scott Syverson by scoring a season-high 23 points. Tumberg connected on seven of his three-point attempts.
ADVERTISEMENT
Tumberg's heroics were well-timed with Syverson sidelined by mono and the Rangers holding Tabery to a season-low two points.
Reed and Isaac Doll scored 10 points apiece. Doll also grabbed eight boards.
Crosby-Ironton's Mark Hoge poured in a game-high 31 points. The Rangers shot 47 percent from the field and made eight of their 11 foul shots.
The Wolverines are now 13-9 overall and 5-4 in the Mid-State. The loss was just the third of a 24-game season for the Rangers. Crosby-Ironton is 7-3 in conference play.
C-I (58)
M. Hudrlik 6, T.Dickie 7, M. Hoge 31, S. Baker 7, B. Tesdahl 7. Totals: 22/2 8-11 58
WDC (61)
R. Nelson 4, D. Tabery 2, I. Doll 10, C. Lugert 4, K. Tumberg 23, J. Reed 10, A. Kern 8. Totals: 13/9 8-8 61
ADVERTISEMENT
C-I 34 24 - 58
WDC 34 27 - 61
WDC 73, (OT)
Pequot Lakes 71
Revenge was sweet for the Wolverines last Tuesday as they settled an old account with Mid-State foe Pequot Lakes on the Pats' home court.
Garry Grewe's Patriots claimed a 76-52 decision on the Wadena-Deer Creek court Dec. 16.
The Wolverines grabbed a quick 7-0 lead against the Pats but fell behind by 13.
"We came out and played our style of ball early on," WDC Head Coach Travis Hensch said. "We pressed, trapped and created a lot of turnovers."
ADVERTISEMENT
Jordan Reed hit a pair of free throws with five seconds remaining in the first half and Donny Tabery connected on a baseline trey to bring the Wolverines within two, 35-33, at the midway point.
The two clubs engaged in a seesaw battle in the second half with the Patriots forcing the game into overtime. Reed scored four points down low and Isaac Doll drilled a three to give WDC the overtime edge.
"I'm very proud of the team's effort," Hensch said. "We tallied only 10 turnovers on the night, which was impressive considering the style of play and the added frame."
Tabery pumped in 26 points for the Wolverines while Reed netted 14.
Michael Ward was high pointer for the Pats with 18 with Kurtis Moody tacking on 16.
WDC (73)
R. Nelson 9, D. Tabery 26, I. Doll 12, C. Lugert 4, K. Tumberg 6, J. Reed 14, A. Kern 2. 22/5 14-21 73
PL (71)
ADVERTISEMENT
M. Goerges 11, J. Dale 12, K. Moody 16, C. Engen 4, A. Runberg 4, T. Parker 6, M. Ward 18. Totals: 22/5 12-18 71
WDC 33 29 11 - 73
PL 35 27 9 - 71
