Packer boys knock off No. 2 PEM in Winona
Published 11:35 pm Friday, December 27, 2013
The Austin boys basketball team set the tempo with its defense as it knocked off Plainview-Elgin-Millville (8-1 overall), which is ranked No. 2 in Class ‘AA,’ 71-54 at the Warrior Classic in Winona State Friday.
The No. 4 ranked Packers (8-1 overall) held PEM to 0-for-13 shooting on 3-pointers and they forced 16 turnovers in the win.
Austin led by as many as 23 in the second half and PEM got no closer than 13.
“They’re a very good team and we played real well in the first half,” Austin head coach Kris Fadness said. “Our defensive pressure gave them fits early.”
Austin had five players score at least nine points and Nik Gasner, who scored 12 points, stepped up early on as he hit three 3-pointers in the first half. Zach Wessels had 10 points, 12 assists and three steals for Austin.
The Packers will play Kaukauna, Wis. Saturday at 5 p.m.
“They’re a really good team and we’ll have a hands full with them,” Fadness said.
Austin scoring: Ajuda Nywesh, 16; Bret Lukes, 12; Nik Gasner, 12; Zach Wessels, 10; Gach Gach, 9; Curtis Oberbroeckling, 7; Noah Brehmer, 3; Taylor Peck, 2; 3-pointers: 39 percent (11-for-28)