Coming off a tough loss to Blair Oaks on Thursday, Linn played on Friday in the Norm Stewart Classic at the University of Missouri in Columbia. The game included a shift between the first and second halves, as the Wildcats cut into the Dutchmen lead but fell 40-29.

“What an experience for our basketball program but also our community,” said Coach John Viehland. “Playing in the Norm Stewart Classic is an honor.  Getting to play on one of the best courts in the state in front of our fans and family was an amazing feeling.  We struggled in the first half and still had the lid on the basket from the night before.  But in the second half, something snapped and we started moving and running our offense.  Once we made one basket, it felt like the confidence changed with everyone.” 

Gus Peters led us with a great all-around game, finishing with 13 points, five rebounds, and five steals.  Dawson Sprenger and Cody Heckman scored five apiece in the game, and Tony Peters led the team with nine rebounds. 

Linn had a season low 18 turnovers. “We need to keep improving this stat,” said Viehland. “Growth is something we are showing every game.  Our defense forced 16 turnovers on Owensville which kept us in the game.” 

On the boards, Linn won the rebounding battle, 34-28. 

“We just have to put the ball in the hole and things will start looking up for us,” said Viehland.

In Thursday’s matchup, the Wildcats lost to Blair Oaks 73-11 in the varsity contest, and fell 56-20 in the JV game.

“As a coach, both of these games are something we don’t want to talk about,” said Coach Viehland. “We want to recognize it, admit it, and forget it.  We are a building program and as the head coach, I take the blame; we were not ready.  The Blair Oaks basketball program is tough and very well coached.  All night, it felt like we had a lid on the basket.  We must be better and we will be better.”

G. Peters scored five to lead the team.

The JV team’s leading scorers were Ian Laughlin (8), and Sprenger and Kayden Monroe (4 each).