New Berlin held off Pawnee to secure a 42-39 victory in a hard-fought nonconference matchup, marking the return of coach Blake Lucas to the gym where he previously coached for nine seasons. The game took place at the newly opened Pretzel Arena, which replaced the former Pretzel Dome.
Prior to tip-off, New Berlin junior Reid Hepperly made a point to greet Lucas, offering a handshake and a meaningful tap on the chest. In the first quarter, Hepperly showcased his skills, scoring eight points and ultimately finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds. His performance was instrumental in helping the Pretzels improve their record to 11-4 overall. “As a coach, he was good,” Hepperly reflected on Lucas. “He pushed us real hard. Playing against him just gives us extra motivation.”
Despite Lucas” familiar presence, it was his first time coaching in the new arena. He kept his focus on the game, stating, “You coach a group for several years and now you coach somewhere else. God protects us. I”m thankful to be in Pawnee.” Regarding the new facility, he remarked, “It”s a nice gym.”
Senior Gabe Molloy played a critical role in the victory, scoring back-to-back layups to tie the game at 33-33 in the fourth quarter. After a scoring drought, Hepperly”s layup with just under five minutes remaining gave New Berlin the lead for good. Coach Neil Holderread praised Molloy, saying, “Gabe”s a really good player. He sets the tone defensively, he gets everything organized offensively.”
New Berlin struggled during the middle quarters, shooting poorly and allowing Pawnee to take a 28-21 lead. The Pretzels were particularly ineffective in the second and third periods, making only three of 16 attempts in the second quarter and two of eight in the third. Pawnee capitalized on this cold streak, but New Berlin was determined not to suffer another defeat to Pawnee after losing to them in the Waverly Holiday Tournament.
In the fourth quarter, Ty Lederbrand broke a long scoring drought for Pawnee, but New Berlin continued to push forward. Hepperly”s strong performance set the tone for the team, as Holderread noted, “He”s a tough matchup for any team that we play.”
Pawnee”s sophomore Gavin Greer led their scoring with 15 points, while teammate Ryder Smith contributed 10 points. Despite a solid effort, Pawnee”s shooting woes plagued them, especially in the fourth quarter where they shot two for seven. Lucas acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “You can”t expect just to come in and play the same way and expect the same result.”
With just over three minutes left, Max Pointer added a layup, extending New Berlin”s lead. The game concluded with a turnover for Pawnee, sealing their fate as New Berlin celebrated their victory. “We”re a veteran group,” Dodd stated. “We know what we”re doing in that situation; we were prepared.” Holderread emphasized the team”s growth, saying, “We want to get better every single day.”
