CASSVILLE – Shullsburg finished off the first unbeaten season in Six Rivers West boys’ basketball in six seasons after cruising past the host Cassville Comets, 65-41, in their season finale at CHS on Thursday, Feb. 23.
The Miners (20-2 overall, 12-0 SRW) charged out to a 31-12 halftime lead, and then opened up the second half on an 18-3 run to build up a 34-point advantage. Shullsburg, which has won three straight outright Six Rivers West titles, is the first team since Benton in 2010-11 to go undefeated in conference play.
“Finishing any conference season undefeated is a huge accomplishment because our league has fantastic coaches, strong fan bases and passionate players. I’m very proud of our players for taking everyone’s best effort and being able to come out on top in every contest,” said Miners’ head coach Mark Lierman.
Senior guard Hunter Matye pumped in a game-high 18 points to lead the Miners’ attack. Senior center Joey Meyer scored 15 points and senior guard Noah Wand added 14 points for Shullsburg.
Jack Jensen netted 11 points and Mason Infield chipped in with 10 for the Comets (4-18, 3-9).
The WIAA Division 5 boys’ tournament began on Tuesday, Feb. 28, with #2-seeded Miners hosting #15-seeded Riverdale (2-20) in a regional quarterfinal game at SHS.
“The playoffs are such a great time for everyone involved; players, coaches, and fans. Witnessing young people play their hearts out in a ‘win-or-go-home’ situation is exhilarating. We just have to stay focused and understand the value of every possession, because every team is wanting the same thing,” Lierman commented.
The winner advances to the regional semifinal game at the home of the highest remaining seed on Friday, March 3, starting at 7 p.m. The regional final is scheduled for Saturday, March 4, also starting at 7 p.m.
Shullsburg…………… 31 34 – 65
Cassville……………... 12 29 – 41
Shullsburg – Lance Lierman 6, Alex Wand 2, Hunter Matye 18, Noah Wand 14, Griffin Wiegel 2, Nate Wedige 5, Joey Meyer 15, Cameron Doyle 3. Totals – 28 5-9 65.
Cassville – Bausch 2, Reynolds 7, Jensen 11, Infield 10, Hauk 2, Kinyon 2, Esser 7. Totals – 17 2-5 41.
3-point goals– S 4 (N. Wand 2, Wedige 1, Doyle 1), C 5 (Jensen 3, Infield 1, Esser 1). Total fouls– S 10, C 13. Fouled out– C: Bausch.
