WOODWARD — Iowa Hall of Pride Scrimmages are, Woodward-Granger boys basketball head coach Brent Achenbach said “the next-best thing to the real deal.”
Mormon Trail visited Woodward Friday for the event, with the hosts on the winning end of a 58-23 outcome.
Pride Scrimmages are full-length contests with officials and all the other factors that would make for a regulation contest, save the result and statistics are considered pre-season. They are thus different from a two-quarter “jamboree” and offer teams a chance to work on their game in as close to a true game setting as possible.
To host a Hall of Pride Scrimmage a portion of the admission must be donated to the Hall of Pride, and teams must choose a non-profit organization or community event to aid through volunteer efforts.
The Hawks chose the Woodward Public Library to support. They donated a wreath to the silent auction event currently underway at the library and passed out flyers promoting the Dec. 7 Christmas tree lighting and celebration, at which the winners of the auction (bids are currently being accepted) will be revealed.
The Hawks were never troubled in the game, leading 12-6 after eight minutes before opening a 30-13 halftime gulf. A 19-3 third quarter turned the game into a runaway.
“It was good to get out on the court and see what is working well and where we need to keep improving,” Achenbach said. “I appreciate Mormon Trail coming up to play us. Their best scorer was hurt during football and didn’t play, but I think they are going to be a good team going forward.”
W-G dominated the statistics, finishing with 37 total rebounds and 15 assists while coming away with 19 steals. They turned the ball over just nine times, and while shooting only 1-of-14 on 3-pointers hit 23-of-47 inside the arc and converted on 9-of-11 free throws.
Bryce Achenbach had 16 points and three steals for the hosts, with Kaya Bowlsby adding eight points and Reese Jamison seven points and eight rebounds.
Pacey Moats and Nick Buch had six points apiece while Alex Bice, Coby Peters and Keith Braunschweig added four points each. Two points from Jack Grell and one from Matt Hanson capped the scoring.
Braunschweig had four boards, Bice and Moats four steals apiece and Buch three thefts, with Moats distributing five assists. Although not scoring, Dylan Backe and Walker Deputy saw important playing time.
W-G opens their season Dec. 5 with a visit from Martensdale-St. Marys. The Hawks will then face host Panorama Dec. 6. Both are boys/girls sets beginning at 6 p.m.
