Jr. Hornets Fall In Championship Of Okawville Tournament
By Brent Huelsmann
The Nashville Middle School Jr. Hornets eighth grade boys basketball team tipped off their season with the Okawville Tournament this past week. Nashville went 2-1 in the tournament winning both of their games in pool play before falling in the Championship game.
The Jr. Hornets began the tournament with a 42-27 win over Trico on October 23. Nashville took an 11-7 lead after the first quarter of play and led throughout the entirety of the contest. The Jr. Hornets extended their lead to 24-18.
After the break the Jr. Hornets put the game completely out of reach as they outscored Trico 14-4 in the third quarter. In the fourth, Nashville would cruise to a 42-27 win.
Nolan Heggemeier led Nashville with 13 points in the win. Heggemeier was joined in double figures by Michael Combs, who finished with 10 points. Aaron Brink added seven points, while both Lucas Knepp and Ian Blazier chipped in four points. Kolten Gajewski and Hayden Robinson each scored two points to round out the scoring.
The Jr. Hornets were back in action on October 25, as they defeated Albers 45-32 in another pool play game. Nashville again got off to a fast start as the Jr. Hornets led 9-3 after the first quarter of play. The Jr. Hornets were able to extend their lead before halftime as they outscored Albers 14-11 to go into the break with a 23-14 lead.
After halftime, Nashville was again able to extend their lead over Albers as the Jr. Hornets outscored the Cougars 13-7. In the final stanza of play, Albers outscored Nashville but could not make a comeback as the Jr. Hornets went on for a 45-32 win.
Robinson led Nashville with 15 points, and was the only Jr. Hornets player in double figures in the win. Brink added eight points, followed by Combs and Heggemeier with seven points apiece. Blazier and Gajewski each finished with four points in the win.
The Jr. Hornets suffered their first loss of the season, with a 37-21 loss to Aviston in the Championship game of the Okawville Tournament on October 27.
Nashville fell behind in the first quarter, and could never gain an advantage as the Eagles took the championship. Nashville trailed 6-3 after the first quarter, and fell behind 18-13 at halftime. Aviston really took control in the third quarter, as they outscored Nashville 11-5 to take a 29-18 lead into the final stanza. In the fourth, Aviston cruised to the victory.
Heggemeier and Robinson each finished with five points to lead Nashville. Both Brink and Blazier each added four points, followed by Gajewski with two points. Combs scored one point in the loss for Nashville.
