GC boys end season after loss to McDonell Central

By Kelsie Hoitomt

CHIPPEWA FALLS — The Glenwood City boys’ basketball lost to the McDonell Central Macks 59-37 in the first round of Regionals last Tuesday, February 19.

The Toppers played an even game against the Cloverbelt-West Conference Macks in the first quarter as the score was knotted at 13’s.

Richard Ross had five of the team’s 13 points, Marcus Kadinger had four and Matt Schouten and Nick Mrdutt each had baskets for what was the Toppers best quarter of the game.

The Hilltoppers maintained their performance in the second quarter and edged a two point lead over the Macks at the half after posting nine points and McDonell had seven. Ross drained a three pointer and Mrdutt and Hierlmeier each had baskets.

It was a different Hilltopper team that showed up after the halftime break however, which resulted in the Macks taking their first big lead of the game in the third quarter.

The Macks blew up the court with 20 points scored in the third quarter and an additional 19 in the fourth to win the game. The Toppers fizzled out and only posted eight points in the third and seven in the fourth.

Ross and Mrdutt were the points leaders for the team with eight each; Mrdutt had four baskets and Ross had one trey, one deuce and three free throws. Kadinger had six points, Hierlmeier had four, Tyler Nueske had three and Schouten, Tyler Johnson, Kip Wallace and Michael Johnson each finished with two points.

As a senior, Schouten was the team leader in points per game with an 8.0 average, according to the statistics on Wisconsin Sports Networks.

“I am proud of the improvements we made over last season and we definitely have positive results to build on. I would like to thank the seniors for their contributions to our basketball program. It has been my pleasure to coach them,” said coach Brent Wink.

The Hilltoppers finished their 2012-13 season with a 6-10 Dunn-St.Croix Conference record, which was a significant improvement over last year’s 2-14 season.