Paulsen sets scoring mark as Wolverines trounce Akron-Westfield


It was a record-breaking night for Derek Paulsen. The South O’Brien senior broke the school’s single-game individual scoring record with 46 points as the Wolverines crushed Akron-Westfield 86-26 January 10 at Paullina. The record had been held by Adam Paulsen who scored 42 points against Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn in 2012. With the win South O’Brien improved to 3-1 in War Eagle Conference play.
“Derek had an incredible game, scoring 34 points in the first half and 46 for the game,” said his coach, Kiley Yates. “He had 14 two-point field goals, four threes and was 6-of-8 from the free throw line. He had 10 steals and eight dunks and he only played the first 24-plus minutes of the game.”
Yates had more to say about the 6’3” guard. “Derek is a great person and a fantastic leader who cares about his teammates,” stated the coach. “He has great athletic ability and strength to be able to score in multiple ways such as three-point shooting, mid-range, finishing at the rim and on the offensive glass.”
Filling in the scoring for South O’Brien were Gabe Moermond with 10 points, Jaden Kreber with nine, Brady Riedemann with six, Brody Van Beek with five and Caden Wittrock, Reese Lundquist, Alex Griebel, Brett Evans and Brennan Billick with two apiece. Paulsen was the assists leader with six.
Atop the rebounding column were Kreber with 13 boards and Wittrock with 11. The Wolverines totaled 40 rebounds and just 10 turnovers. Tatum Wilken and Jackson Neubrand each scored six points for Akron-Westfield.
A-W
6 10 7 3 – 26
S O’
30 26 16 14 – 86
