After nine attempts, the Seward boys’ basketball team got its first win. The Bluejays defeated Schuyler 48-40 Jan. 12.
“Our kids earned victory in this one,” Coach Trevor Menke said. “We got behind early but our guys stayed the course and did a great job playing four quarters and finding a way to win.”
Seward trailed 16-10 after the first quarter but led 27-26 at halftime. The Jays were able to extend the lead in the second half.
Drew Covalt scored 17 to lead Seward. Sam Schroeder added 10 points and eight rebounds.
The Jays couldn’t maintain the winning momentum Jan. 14 against Platteview, losing 75-49. Menke said SHS didn’t match PHS’s ability to make shots and space the floor.
“I thought we put many stretches of good basketball together, but when you are playing the rated teams night in and night out that we’ve seen, you have to sustain it for a full 32 minutes,” he said.
Schroeder led the way with a double double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Leighton Limback added 11 points.
The week ended Jan. 16 with a 57-40 loss to Waverly.
“I was proud of the effort from our guys Saturday,” Menke said. “We didn’t fear the moment against the No. 3 team in Class B (Journal Star) and make enough plays to be down four at half. They made some big shots in the third quarter like great teams do that allowed them to build a lead on us.”
The Vikings outscored the Jays 21-8 in the third quarter.
Covalt led the offense with nine points. Schroeder and Jackson Trost grabbed five rebounds each, and Traetyn Schaefer delivered nine of the team’s 10 assists.
“We are playing harder and better for longer periods of time. As the calendar changes, the attitude and improvement of this group has been remarkable. I’m proud of them,” Menke said.
Seward (1-11) was to play at Crete Jan. 19 and host Aurora Friday, Jan. 22, with tipoff at 7:30 p.m.
The Central Conference basketball tournament is scheduled to start Monday, Jan. 25.
