Mondovi boys top the Mounders
by Mondovi Journalism Staff
On Tuesday, Jan. 20, the Mondovi boys basketball team (7-6, 5-2 DSC) broke a historic streak. For the first time since Feb. 14, 2010, the Buffaloes beat the Elk Mound Mounders (4-8, 4-3 DSC). The win also broke a home conference win streak for Elk Mound that dated back to February of 2011.
Entering the game on a two game conference losing streak, the Mondovi boys hoped to keep their conference title hopes alive. Elk Mound raced out to a 6-2 lead, bolstered by the foul trouble that plagued Mondovi’s front court tandem of Blake Purdy and Colton Berg. But the Mondovi Buffaloes’ defense quickly stiffened and their offense went on a 10-0 run to end the quarter leading the Mounders 12-6.
Elk Mound would not go quietly. Behind a mix of deadly outside shooting and controlled post play, the Mounders were able to cut into the Buffaloes’ lead in the second quarter. Yet the Buffaloes entered halftime with a 26-22 lead.
The second half would be a half that any high school basketball fan would enjoy. Both teams traded baskets and the lead throughout the game’s final two quarters. Behind an impressive 20-25 effort from the free throw line, the Buffaloes were able to hold off the defending Dunn-St. Croix champions by a 57-50 margin.
Leading the way in scoring for the Buffaloes was Hayden Ford with 16 points. Purdy contributed 11 points and eight rebounds while Greg Poeschel proved deadly from deep, hitting on 3-of-4 3-pointers en route to 11 points.
The Buffaloes will begin their second half chase just one game behind a three-way tie for first place. Mondovi will look to make that jump into the running for first when the squad faces conference favorite Glenwood City on Thursday, Jan. 29, at Mondovi.
Next week’s games also feature some interesting opponents and highlights.
The Mondovi boys will team up with the Gilmanton boys’ program for a Coaches vs. Cancer event on Monday, Feb. 2, when the Buffaloes host the Panthers for their annual non-conference bout. This marks the second year Mondovi has hosted the local donation effort, set to assist families impacted by cancer living in Buffalo and Pepin counties.
The very next night on Tuesday, Feb. 3, Mondovi will host another local foe in Eleva-Strum. Halftime of the non-conference contest is slated to include a exhibition game by the Chippewa Valley Hooligans power soccer team, featuring Mondovi student Nick Nelson.
