Cyclones offense struggles against Titans on the road

The HCHS Cyclones boys basketball team struggled on the offensive end of the floor and lost 56-44 to the Lewis Central Titans Tuesday.

“It was a very winnable game,” said Cyclone Head Coach Mitch Osborn. “It’s amazing to think it was a 42-37 with about three minutes to go and we had our chances, and just didn’t execute.”

It was a back-and-forth affair to start, as the Cyclones were leading the Titans by one, but in the second quarter, the Cyclone offense put up just eight points, trailing 26-21 at halftime.

“From the last minute of the first quarter to about six minutes in the second quarter, we didn’t score a point,” Osborn said. “My message wasn’t very good, because our third quarter starts have not been good. We’ve got to change that, because we started the third quarter with another four minute drought.”

The Cyclones’ offensivee struggles continued as they scored eight points to trail the Titans 37-29 at the end of the third quarter. The offense got going in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t overcome the Titans, dropping their third game of the season.

Offensively, Sophomore Cyclone Kobe Klaassen led the way with 20 points, while Senior Jozef Reisz had 14. For the Titans, Sophomore Charles Schaben had 12 points, while Junior Ramon Ware had 11 points, and Freshman Carter Thielen had nine.

“Kobe Klaassen had a very solid game and is really playing well,” Osborn added. “I thought he turned down some shots in the second half, and he’s got to be a little more aggressive there.”

The Cyclones return to action Friday at home, taking on the 3-6 St. Albert Falcons. The Falcons are led by Junior Nick Ballenger averaging 13.6 points, Freshman Colt Spencer averaging 7.2 rebounds, and Senior Owen Marshall averaging 3.2 assists per game.

“St. Albert is way better than their record indicates,” Osborn said. “We’ve got to be ready to go Friday night. It’s definitely nice to be coming home, that’s for sure. When you lose a tough game like we did, you’re looking forward to getting back on the court and playing a game. We know it’s going to be a battle. They shoot the ball extremely well from the perimeter.”