Ozaukee boys are going to extremes

The Ozaukee High School boys’ basketball team had two decidedly different games last week.

Ozaukee traveled to St. Mary Central on Dec. 10 and came away with a 74-67 Big East Conference victory.

Last Friday, the Warriors hosted defending Division 5 state champion Sheboygan Lutheran and were pummeled, 94-43.

Ozaukee coach Bob Domach had mixed emotions during the week. He was pleased with the way his team responded in the game against the Zephyrs.

However, he was disappointed with the effort of his team during parts of the Sheboygan Lutheran game.

Against St. Mary’s, Domach said, “We played well. It was a back and forth game. We made big plays when we needed to.”

The Warriors had to make adjustments from the opening whistle.

“They had a transfer (player) playing for the first time and we had to adjust our game plan on the fly,” Domach said.

“St. Mary’s is well coached and they threw a lot at us, from an Xs and Os standpoint. We were able to recognize and respond.”

Ozaukee had to come from behind to claim the win, as they were trailing at the half, 31-29.

The Warriors had four players finish in double digits, including two with season-high outputs.

Noah Miller led the Warriors with 26 points and six assists.

Brent Hoffmann had 14 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.

Jotham Higginbotham and Simon Bares each had a season-high 12 points.

Logan Bell was strong under the basket with 12 rebounds and six points.

The Zephyrs were led by Quincy Fields with 20 points and Max Griffith with 14.

When the Crusaders came to town Friday, the Warriors knew they would have to play well to stay in the game.

They trailed, 49-34, at the break, after playing hard.

 “We competed well in the first half,” Domach said.

“We need to do a better job of closing out on shooters. They shot really well from the outside.”

The Crusaders made 10 three-point baskets.

 Following the break, the Warriors’ offense fell apart. They scored only nine points in the second half.

“I am disappointed that we lost our mental focus in the second half. We must learn and grow,” Domach said.

Noah Miller scored 13 points to lead the Warriors. Higginbotham and Bares each scored six points.

Braxton Gahan pulled down eight rebounds and Higginbotham grabbed five.

The Crusaders had five players in double digits, led by Jacob Ognacevic with 27 and Casey Verhagen with 21. Robby Michael, Matthew Wittee and Jackson Holzheimer each finished with 11 points.

The Warriors took their 2-2 conference record into Tuesday’s game at Kohler.

On Thursday, Ozaukee will travel to Cedar Grove-Belgium. After a holiday break, the Warriors play at Random Lake on Jan. 4.