The Chants took on the undefeated Burwell Longhorns on Thursday night. The game did not disappoint and was back and forth tilt from the start. Burwell was able to grab a four point after the 1st quarter and late bucket before half was able to extend the Longhorn lead to three. In the third quarter the Chants were able to grab a four point lead going into the 4th. The 4th quarter would feature multiple lead changes. With Burwell hitting a three pointer with fifty seconds left to take a 3 point lead. Trialing by four the Chants were able to get a steal with 20 seconds left and Quinton Ries converted a three point play to cut the lead to one. Burwell would hit two free throws to get a 3 point lead with 10 seconds left. The Chants would get a look at 3 at the buzzer but it would not go in and Burwell would get a 50-47 win. The Chants were led by Quinton Ries and Johnny DeRiso with eleven points each. “That was a great effort by our guys and probably the most complete game we have played.” Coach Gates said after the game.
On Friday night the Chants schedule did not get any easier by taking on the top five rated St. Paul Wildcats. The game would not start well for the Chants with St. Paul grabbing a quick lead and then building it throughout the first half. “We struggled with their length and pressure and that put us in a hole early. ” Coach Gates said. The Chants were able to play the Wildcats even in the 2nd half but the Wildcats won by a final of 57-32. Quinton Ries had a double double for the Chants with twelve points and ten rebounds. The Chants will travel to Albion on Friday to take on Boone Central before hosting Arcadia-Loup City on Saturday.