The Chinook Sugarbeeters and Harlem Wildcats met on the basketball court for the first time this season Thursday night, each team with a lot riding on the game.
For Harlem, a loss would mean the end of an undefeated season, but for Chinook, a win would triple last season's win total and would also mean knocking off one of the top teams in Class B.
While the game was close after the first quarter, Harlem's defense picked up the pace and held the Sugarbeeters to a combined 22 points in the second and third quarters. Half of those points came on free throws. The Wildcats, however, scored 20-plus points in each of the remaining three quarters to come away with an 85-59 win.
Every player who played scored for both teams in a game where no one person really dominated on offense.
Harlem's Chris Cole led all scorers with 21 points and Kevin Bigby followed with 17. Colby Fetter also added 15 for the Wildcats. The Beeters were led by Jordon Nissen with 16 points and Kevin Hansen with 10.
Harlem
14
27
21
22
85
Chinook
11
14
8
26
59
Harlem Colby Fetter 15, Wes Main 6, Ben Carrywater 9, Hank Brockie 4, Adam Bigby 5, Josh Hoops 1, Chris Cole 21, Kevin Bigby 17, Jim Kennedy 2, Pete Stiffarm 1, Jarrett Azure 4.
Chinook Michael Mereness 5, Kevin Hansen 10, Matt Roseberry 1, Kyle Doney 6, Casey Schmitt 9, Mickey Haney 6, Morgan Strauser 6, Jordon Nissen 16.
