South O’Brien started the new calendar year on a winning note. The Wolverines defeated Akron-Westfield 46-35 January 5 at Akron.
The visitors led by just two points, 34-32, after three quarters. When asked how his team was able to come away with the victory, South O’Brien head coach Kiley Yates had a simple answer. “Solid defense,” responded Yates. “We gave up three points in the fourth quarter.”
The Wolverines got 15 points from Boston Riedemann, nine from Willie Conley, six apiece from Dain Moermond and Derek Paulsen and five from both Ben Woodall and David Bottjen. Ben Woodall was the assists leader with two.
South O’Brien was 14-of-46 from the field for 30 percent. That included 5-of-19 from three-point territory. Akron-Westfield shot 32 percent with 13 hoops in 41 attempts. The Westerners connected on six of their 14 tries from long distance. The Wolverines had an edge at the free throw line, going 13-for-23 compared to 3-for-11 for Akron-Westfield.
This was South O’Brien’s first game since December 20. “We played hard, but didn’t score at a level that we are capable of,” remarked Yates. “I know we have better shooters than we showed last night. We will get better.”
Jacob Van Lith pulled down seven rebounds for the Wolverines while Moermond and Bottjen each grabbed five and Sawyer Honkomp collected four. Coming away with two steals apiece were Riedemann, Van Lith, Conley and Bottjen. Conley also rejected two of the Westerners’ shots. The turnover totals showed Akron-Westfield with 21 and the Wolverines with 16.
S. OBrien
7 17 10 12 – 46
A-W
8 14 10 3 – 35