South O’Brien Boys Basketball

by Mari Radtke
Opening boys basketball for the Wolverines opened at Paullina on Monday February 16 against the Siouxland Christian Eagles from Sioux City. The Wolverines opened strong taking a 10-point lead in the opening period and expanded the lead during the second. Halftime score was 35-18. The Eagles fought through a scoreless period, almost all of the second quarter. They recovered in the second half. The score spread didn’t change by much through the second half wit the game ending 76-49.
Siouxland Christian stats are not available at press time.
South O’Brien’s scoring leaders are senior Jaden Kreber with 23 points, 12 of them from outside and 9 of 12 free throws. Senior Brody Van Beek scored 19 and senior Alex Griebel added 12 points, all from downtown.
The Wolverines face Sibley Ocheyedan Thursday February 19 at Paullina.

South O’Brien Girls Advance

by Mari Radtke
It’s almost always big excitement when Gehlen Catholic and South O’Brien face off on the hardwood. Tuesday night, February 17 at Paullina was no different. The visiting Gehlen Jays took a short quick lead in the opening minutes of the game but that quickly changed. The Wolverines’ lead was short lived and went back to the Jays. The lead returned to the Wolveirnes by the buzzer. The opening minutes of the second quarter offered little for either team by way of scoring until midway through the half for the fourth lead change of the first half. The Wolverines took back the lead for the fifth lead change of the game. The Jays did not sit still. They were back closing the gap when the buzzer sounded. At halftime the Wolverines rested with slim 2-point lead, 21-19. It was the final lead change of the game, but it was still not an easy win. The Wolverines had a powerhouse 3rd quarter. The had mostly consistent scoring while their defense left the Jays with some dry spells. Buut at about halfway through the 3rd the Wolverines were draining everything and took a big lead. The third period buzzer sounded with a score of 42 – 25. It came down to the final period of play which team’s season would continue. Early in the 4th both teams were scoring, then the Wolverines hit a fairly prolonged dry spot while the Jays were putting points on the board, with “nothing but net” 3-pointers. In the final minutes the gym got loud. Fans were on their feet. It was a game of both joy and heartbreak, depending on your team. The game final is 49-45. The Wolverines face George-Little Rock on Friday February 20 at George.
Gehlen’s sophomore Ella Ruhland scored 17 points. Sophomore Ayla Schmidt added 13 points with 6 of those points coming from downtown. She also Took possession of an impressive 10 rebounds including 5 offensive. Also a sophomore, Payton Kernes added 6 points. Junior Halle Walgenbach boarded 5. She blocked 4 attempts and stole 1. Freshman Bella Scheitler claimed 5 misses for Jays possession.
Wolverine scoring leaders each put in 11 points. Seniors Lindsey Einck and Reese Farquhar, hitting one downtown shot each. Junior BreLee Rasmussen also hit a 3 in her 11 points and went 4 for 4 from the line. They were scored while the Jays were threatening late in the 4th. Einck pulled down a stunning 13 boards and a steal. Farquhar took down 8 boards with a blocked shot and a steal. Rasmussen owned 7 boards with 4 offensive and 3 blocked shots, at least 1 at a critical moment in the 4th quarter.

Wolverines Endure Stunning Upset

by Mari Radtke
The South O’Brien Wolverines hosted the Sibley-Ocheyedan Generals in the District semi-finals at Paullina on Thursday February 19. It was an exciting game. It was a stunning upset.
The Wolverines took the early lead ending the first quarter with a 4 point lead, 13-9. It followed up with a similar result in the second quarter taking a 29-20 lead to the halftime break.
The Generals came out in the second half with what might be called a new strategy. Both teams were scoring early in the third with the Wolverines expanding their lead to 14, but the Generals made regular gains. By the last 2 minutes of the third they overtook the hosts, who just entered a scoreless streak that went into the 4th while the Generals continued to put points on the board. Third quarter scoring was Generals 25, Wolverines 10 putting the score at 39-45 in favor of the Generals going into the final period of play.
The first 2 minutes of the final period saw the scoreless period continue for the Wolverines while the Generals inched their score upward. The Wolveirnes broke that flat line and got withing striking score of their guests. They flat-lined scoring for another minute or so while the generals kept up putting points on the board. The game final gave the Generals a trip to the District Final in Marcus on Monday February 23 with a game final of 68-58.
Wolverine Head Coach Kiley Yates explained the Generals sunk 13 from downtown, scoring 39 points from outside out of their second half 48 points.
Ale0x Kruger, S-O junior scored 25 game points with 5 from the circle. Kruger also gave his team 6 second chances with his 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Senior Gavin Stanton contributed 22 points including 2 of three pointers. Senior Tate Marco added 8 poins with 4 oints from way outside. Senior Carter Vos powered down 7 rebounds, blocked 1 and stole 3. Senior Dawson Kreykes boarded 5 with 2 offensive.
South O’Brien’s senior Jaden Kreber scored 29 points in the contest. His career scoring total sits at 998 points. Senior Brody Van Beek added 11 points.