The boys opened up with Fort Calhoun in the North Bend Holiday tournament. The games started with Pioneers taking a 13-7 lead after the 1st quarter. The Pioneers would grow their lead to nine at the break. The Chants would start to rally back in the 3rd. Before tying up the game on a two-pointer with one second left by Jordan Williams. In overtime, some trips to the free throw line would give the Pioneers the victory over the Chants.”We played well in the 2nd half, but that first half put us down, and the difference was at the free-throw line.” Coach Gates said after the game. Colton Thompson had 11 points to go with 10 rebounds. Landon Critel led the Chants in points with 17. Easton Rychon had 13.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Chants took on Guardian Angels Central Catholic. The game started as a back-and-forth tilt. With the Bluejays leading by 2. The Bluejays would have a four-point lead with a minute left in the half then back-to-back threes by Beau Wells and Jordan Williams would give the Chants a 2-point lead at the break. The Chants would carry the lead to six by the end of the 3rd. The Bluejays would rally and cut the lead to one before two Jordan Williams free throws would seal the game for the Chants. The Chants were led by Beau Wells with 23 points. Jordan Williams added nine points, and Landon Critel added eight. Knox Nelson added fifteen rebounds in the win. “Our defense carried us tonight, and that was nice to see, and when we needed to, we really executed well offensively.”
Chants Fall To Cozad
On Saturday Afternoon, the Chants took on undefeated Cozad at home. The game started as a game of each team trading baskets, and Haymakers were able to take a 2-point lead after the 1st quarter. The second quarter would be much of the same with Cozad taking a 31-26 lead at the break. “We had a good 1st half, we just were able to sustain it on both ends of the floor.” Coach Gates would say after the game. The Haymakers would win the 3rd quarter by a 22-10 margin and then take a 69-45 victory over the Chants. Jordan Williams led the Chants with 13 points, Beau Wells had nine points, and Landon Critel added eight. The Chants were led in Rebounds by Williams and Knox Nelson with seven apiece. The Chants will host Minden on Thursday before traveling to Gibbon on Friday Night.