Ozaukee hangs on for league win

Solid defense and ball handling made up for missed free throws for the Ozaukee High School boys’ basketball team last Friday.

The Warriors missed seven 15-footers in the final two minutes but still hung on to beat visiting rival Random Lake, 48-44.

“Our defense won us the game as we struggled shooting. We were pressed the entire game and Jesse Schauer took great care of the basketball for us,” coach Bob Domach said.

The Warriors led, 27-22, at halftime, but Random Lake came out of the locker room and rallied to cut Ozaukee’s lead to 31-30 with 13 minutes 37 seconds to play.

Three minutes later the Rams took a 35-33 lead.

The Warriors scored the next four points and never trailed again.

A basket by Schauer with just more than two minutes to play put Ozaukee up by eight, 48-40.

Despite missing their final seven free throws, the Warriors hung on. They went 5-for-14 at the line on the night.

Noah Miller led Ozaukee with 16 points and nine rebounds. Matt Miller scored 12 points. Simon Bares had eight points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Mitch Spaeth led the Rams with 12 points. Sam Rusch and Mitchell Huiras scored eight points each.

Ozaukee, 4-5 in the Big East Conference South Division, was to play at Mishicot (1-1) Tuesday. On Thursday, the Warriors host Sheboygan Christian (0-6 Big East) and on Saturday play at North Fond du Lac (0-4 overall) and host Elkart Lake-Glenbeulah (5-4) on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

CG-Belgium prevents losing streak

Cedar Grove-Belgium knocked off Mishicot at home Monday, 70-41, to bounce back after a big loss at Sheboygan Lutheran last Friday.

“We started off slow but we got it together,” coach Derek Wimmer said of Monday’s performance.

Junior Logan Arrowood had 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Rockets. Sam Peiffer had 11 points, 11 rebounds and three steals.

It was 26-16 at halftime before the Rockets took off for 44 points in the second frame.

“We couldn’t make layups. We were 5-for-20 in the first half from inside the paint,” Wimmer said.

The Rockets shot better on the inside in the second half, “and we started hitting some threes,” Wimmer said.

They only committed six turnovers while forcing plenty more. The Rockets’ press caused Indians’ miscues and easy buckets.

Ethan Aponte had 10 points, Cole Ketterhagen had eight and Logan Ketterhagen had seven.

It was Logan’s second game back after suffering an ankle injury against Ozaukee on Dec. 21. Wimmer said he had some rust but is happy his team is healthy.

Last Friday, the Rockets lost at undefeated Sheboygan Lutheran, 100-52. The Crusaders, who are 9-0 and on top of the Big East Conference North Division and 12-0 overall, have eclipsed 90 points four times this season.

“Sheboygan Lutheran is tough. They couldn’t miss. I think they hit every three they put up,” Wimmer said.

It was 53-20 at halftime, and the Crusaders didn’t let up. Andrew Verheist  scored 26 points and had 14 rebounds. Casey Verhagen had 19 points, Robby Michael had 17 and Jonah Jurss had 11.

Peiffer had 17 points, and Logan Ketterhagen had 13.

The Rockets, 6-4 in the Big East and 7-4 overall, play at Kohler (5-4) on Thursday and host Hilbert (1-12) on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

Mitch Maersch contributed to this article.