Hayfield successfully avenged its season-opening double-overtime loss to Stewartville, but without all the drama of the first meeting.

The Vikings moved back to .500 heading into the final week of the regular season by stunning Stewartville, 60-44, Monday night in Hiawatha Valley League play. A 17-6 second quarter in Hayfield's favor proved to make all the difference.

As did Tyler Kramer, who scored 26 points on 11-of-19 shooting in his strongest game since returning from an ankle injury. David Johnson contributed 15 points, six rebounds and five steals in a complete game.

"We pretty much controlled the second quarter, and they probably got no closer than 12 after that," said Hayfield coach Chris Pack. "We just kind of jumped out there in the second quarter and stayed up there."

Hayfield led 14-11 after the first quarter, spurred by the first seven points from Kramer. He added a tip-in at the buzzer for nine of his game-high 26.

"We ran a play with him and David on a pick-and-roll, and they didn't step out on Tyler and he knocked a couple down," Coach Pack said. "On nights he can get open looks he's going to score."

Johnson has been the more consistent scorer this season, due in part to Kramer's ankle sprain, but as far as points per game Kramer took over the lead after Monday night.

"They know that we're not going to win if they're just worried about their individual stuff," Pack said.

Kramer, Johnson and Weston Hanson each pulled down six rebounds to lead Hayfield to a 26-19 edge on the boards. Stewartville also attempted 19 fewer field goals than its counterpart.

Kramer was 5-of-7 from the floor in the second half to seal the HVL victory, upping the Vikings to 11-11 overall and 7-7 in league play.

Hayfield goes to third-ranked Byron tonight. The Bears have won 23 straight since losing their first game of the season. The Vikings end the year Thursday at home against Kasson-Mantorville.

Boxscore:

STEWARTVILLE (44) -- Brandon Ness 2, Andy Dass 6, Zack Thompson 2, Mitch Hanson 2, Isaac Johnson 2, Brandon Howard 11, Andy Bergrud 16, Eric Schroeder 3.

HAYFIELD (60) -- David Johnson 15, Brock Greenhagen 6, Tyler Kramer 26, Bryan Oelkers 4, Weston Hanson 6, Drew Wanzek 3, Shawn Colucy 0, Jessie Glahn 0.

Stewartville1161611--44

Hayfield14171712--60

Field goals--Stew 18-34, Hayf 23-53.

Three-pointers--Stew 2-3, Hayf 5-16.

Free-throws--Stew 6-8, Hayf 9-11.