Hornets Open Up Season at Mascoutah
After finishing second in state a year ago, the Nashville Hornets kicked off another season Monday at the Mascoutah Tip-Off Classic against Columbia. With Wayne Harre in his third season at the helm, the Hornets are already dealing with some adversity. Due to the football team advancing to the state final and Matt Anderson being out because of an injury, the Hornets began their season without some key members of their squad. With that being said, the Hornets were able to pick up right where they left off from last season. Nashville was able to jump out to a 21-7 lead after the first, a quarter in which they were able to close out on a 14-0 run. The Hornets used a sharp shooting first half to take a 33-10 lead into the break. Senior Carson Parker, who signed with McKendree last Thursday, was off to a fast start, finishing the first half with 17 points. The Hornets continued to cruise in the second half in route to a 43-21 lead after the third. The Hornets would roll to a 56-23 win. Carson Parker, who finished with 21 points, also climbed atop the 1,000 point summit in the team‘s victory. Tristen Hercules finished with 13 and added eight rebounds. Carter Shoenherr had six points, while Terry Pelczynski and Saxton Hoepker both added five a piece. Nolan Heggemeier got on the board with three, Ryland Hammer threw in two, and JD Shubert rounded out the scoring with one.
“The biggest thing tonight was keeping it as simple as possible,” Coach Harre said after his team’s season opening victory.
Coach Harre mentioned even though he thought their defense might have been a little too spread, he was happy to get the victory.
“We get a win, we’re always happy with that, but again we’re going to work on some things and try to get better,” Harre said.
The Hornets hit the hardwood again the following night against the Waterloo Bulldogs. The Hornets were able to make quick work of the Bulldogs with a 47-19 victory. The scoring attack was once again led by Parker and Hercules. Parker finished with 17 and Hercules added 12 more. Heggemeier drained three triples for nine points, Pelczynski threw in five more, and Hammer as well as Hoepker contributed two apiece. The Hornets will continue tournament play Wednesday, Dec. 3rd at 6:00 p.m. when they take on Wesclin.
Above: The Hornet defense looks to get a stop in their season opener against Columbia last Tuesday. Nashville has only surrendered 42 points in their two games thus far.
