Wildcats adds a win and loss to record

The Wallace boys basketball team got back to business following their winter break by traveling to Arthur for competition with the Wolves.

Wallace started the game a bit sluggish but once they got going, they went on to take a 17-8 lead in the first quarter. The Wolves kept things interesting in the second quarter and stayed right with the Cats. Wallace was able to maintain their lead but they were not able to increase it; they went into halftime with a 25-16 lead.

The second half was a different story. Wallace came out to dominate the game offensively and defensively. The Wildcats put up 17 points in the third quarter while holding Arthur to just two points.

The game was a bit more competitive in the final period but Wallace remained in control and went on to win 55-26.

The leading scorer for Wallace was Kolton Hager with his 18 points. He also had seven rebounds and one steal. Micah Swedberg had 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block. Blake Pelster had 10 points, three rebounds, one steal and three blocks. Kaden Hager, Ethan Bowlin and Camden McConnell each contributed three points and Tanner Finley had two points.

Mullen

The Wildcats had little recovery time as they were back in action Saturday afternoon with a tough Mullen Broncos team. 

Mullen dominated the first half of the game by shooting lights out. They knocked down eight 3-pointers. When Wallace stepped up their defense on the perimeter, the Broncos utilized their strong inside game. Mullen had a commanding 45-18 lead at halftime.

Wallace was much more competitive in the second half but they had too much ground to make up. The Cats had to rely on their inside game, all but one basket came from put-backs or buckets off the glass. 

As the game played out, the final score ended up being a 70-48 Mullen victory. 

Hager had another strong performance leading the Wildcats with 18 points, three rebounds and one assist. Pelster had 12 points, six rebounds and one assist. Swedberg had eight points, eight rebounds, six assists and one steal and Finley had six points, four rebounds and one assist. Bowlin and Aidan Kennicutt each scored two points.

Next action

Wallace will be back in action Thursday, Jan. 10 in Big Springs when they take on South Platte. The Wildcats will host Paxton on Friday.