On Tuesday night, the Chants hosted Hastings St. Cecilia Bluehawks. The game turned into an early defensive battle with the Chants only musturing two points in the 1st quarter and only four points in the 2nd quarter. However, the Chants held their own on the defensive end of the floor only allowing 4 field goals for the Bluehawks and giving up the other 5 points at the free throw line. The Chants found themselves only down 9 at half 15-6. “Our defense and effort keep us in the game or we would have had no chance in the 2nd half.” Coach Gates said The Chants would fall behind as much as 22-10 before the offense for the Chants woke up on two buckets by Quinton Ries and three pointer by Reese Davenport. The Chants cut the lead to 22-17 and were right back in the game. From there the game went back and forth with more offense by both teams. The Chants got two fourth quarter lay ups from Riley Warner to cut the lead to two where the lead would stay for the Bluehawks before a big three pointer put the Chants down five with 2 minutes left. The Chants would not quit but the Chants were unable to overcome the deficit and lost 32-39. “I am proud at how we rallied when things weren’t going so well for us but we missed some opportunities that could have changed the outcome of the game.” Coach Gates said after the game. The Chants were led by Reese Davenport with seven points.
On Saturday the Chants played host to conference foe Centura. The offense woes the Chants started with on Tuesday seemed to dissipate as the Chants were able to grab a 15-14 lead after the 1st quarter and then were able to take 28-23 into halftime. “We shot the ball a lot better tonight and that made a big difference in the first half.” Coach Gates said. In the 2nd half the offense woes came back for the Chants and they only managed six points in the 2nd half to fall to the Centurians 41-34. “What is hard about this game is the fact that we played well enough to win but just came up short, but we are getting better and our guys know that.” Coach Gates said The Chants next games will be in the Cabela's Shootout in Sidney where they will play host Sidney first. The next day will be a game against Gordon Rushville or Torrington Wyoming.