EDGEMONT – The Edgemont Moguls boys basketball team won two of three games last week, with both of their victories coming against Oelrichs, first defeating them 69-36 at home on Monday, Feb. 5 and then on the road on Friday, Feb. 9, by a score of 50-39. Edgemont also lost at home to Hulett, Wyo., on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 44-67.
In the week’s first win over Oelrichs, the visiting Tigers were shorthanded and it showed as the game went on, stated Edgemont head coach Gary Darrow.
“We came out a little slow and tried pushing things to much to start the game,” Coach Darrow said. “Once we settled in and made better passes and shots it showed on the score board.”
With no JV game, all eight players saw floor time in all four quarters and each one of them made baskets. Junior Sebastian Morse and sophomore Chase Alexander each had double-doubles as Morse scored 18 point and grabbed 13 rebounds while Alexander contributed 14 points and 14 boards. Junior Keaton Darrow chipped in 17 points with five 3s. As a team, the Moguls had 19 assists and 53 rebounds.
In the two teams’ second meeting of the week, Coach Darrow said both the Moguls and Tigers were at full strength, and in Oelrichs gym, this game was a little different.
“Oelrichs scored the first two baskets but we controlled the rest of the quarter to lead 11-4,” Coach Darrow said. “All night long, our shooting was just off in the new gym. Where as the Tigers enjoyed some home advantage. Oelrichs won the second quarter 16-13 and the third quarter 11-5 to have the lead 31-29 going in to the final quarter.”
The Moguls got steals and ran the floor well in the fourth quarter to outscored the Tigers 21-8 to earn the 11-point victory, after Oelrichs got into foul trouble and Sebastian Morse and Keaton Darrow made some free throws to seal the win.
“The boys rebounded well, got 19 steals and even with a few players getting frustrated they was able to regain their cool and finish out the game this time around,” Coach Darrow said. “I was proud of the boys being able to close out a game where the gym was full of tension and lots of emotions.”
Keaton Darrow finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 8 steals. Sebastian Morse had 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Chase Alexander scored 8 points and Cian Waite 7. JJ Ostenson 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
Sandwiched between the two wins over Oelrichs, the Moguls hosted the Hulett Red Devils when the game started with Hulett getting a few easy baskets, Coach Darrow said.
“Then we settled down and played good for three quarters. Down 26-35 to start the second half, we hit some shots and closed the margin to three points (40-43) after Keaton hit his fourth three-pointer of the quarter. We lost our offense, defense and the game in the fourth quarter. Overall I was satisfied with the three good quarters. We continue to work hard and after being down 18-31 early to close that down to three showed improvement.”
Keaton Darrow led the Moguls with 15 points and six rebouds, while Morse had 10 points and eight rebounds. John Heisler also added nine points.