Linn turned in a strong performance Friday to defeat Owensville 59-36 at home.

“We came out flat but settled in and got some things going on offense,” said Coach Clay Crouch, the Wildcats creating some separation in the second quarter for a 29-18 lead at the break. “We were able to get out in transition and that is when we are at our best on that end. I was a little disappointed in our defense. I thought we did a good job keeping them off the threepoint line and holding them to only 36 points but we fouled way too much.

Fouling is a result of not being in position so we will have to get back in practice and fix that. But our kids played hard and with effort, energy, and enthusiasm which always makes me a proud coach.”

The Wildcats hit 47.7% from the floor with a 7-18 mark from three-point range. Alek Peters drilled three of those long-range shots on his way to 23 points, as Andy Hueste hit two and finished with eight points, and Parker Patterson was 2-4 for his six points.

Caleb Maassen and Jackson Voss finished with eight points apiece, Austin McKim added three, Caden Robinson put in two, and Alex Grellner posted one.

Peters also had a team-high three assists to go with two apiece by Hueste and Grellner.

On the glass, Grellner snagged eight rebounds as J. Voss added seven, Maassen and McKim pulled down five apiece, Drew Voss added three, and Peters had two.

Grellner also posted a team-high three blocks as Maassen swatted two. Peters and Robinson each added a steal.

In the JV game, Linn won 66-45.

Aidan Kline scored 18 to lead the Wildcats as Austin Grellner put in 16, Zach Dodson posted six, followed by Hueste (5), Dakota Pollard (4) and Robinson (2).

The freshman squad claimed a 61-36 win as Keagan Heywood drilled four treys on his way to 16 points, Dodson also added 16, JD Kruger put in 12, Dillan Blauvelt added four, Brendan Ely and Chris Kmiec each scored three, and Cody Leivian scored two.

In Tuesday’s 43-42 win over Hermann, the Wildcats did a lot of things right.

“This was a really good win for us,” said Crouch.

“Hermann won a district last year and return several key pieces and are wellcoached.

You always know playing them it is going to be physical and they are going to play solid defense. I thought we did a good job matching their physicality.

We trailed most of the game but got a one point lead with about a minute left and our defense held them. I am proud of our kids for coming out and responding wellto  Saturday’s loss and coming out and winning a one point game here. I am also proud of our kids for holding them to only 42 points. “

Linn trailed 11-10 after one, 25-23 at the break, and 34-30 to start the fourth before closing the gap and pulling out the win.

Maassen went 8-9 from the line and led the team with 14 points as J. Voss was 4-5 from the stripe and posted 12 points. Supplementing the offense were McKim with seven, Hueste with four, and Grellner and Peters, each with three.

Peters dished the ball a team-high five times and had four rebounds as Grellner had two assists and six rebounds. J. Voss, Maassen and Hueste each recorded three rebounds. Defensively, Peters’ four steals led the way with another by J. Voss.