Scouts outlast North Bend, win consolation

By Kreig Ritter
Banner-Press Sports Editor

A direct attack proved to be the best approach for a struggling David City backcourt.

The Scouts outlasted North Bend 67-59 in the boys' consolation game of the David City Holiday Tournament Dec. 30.

"It's a game of percentages and right now, we have to attack the basket more. The three-pointers aren't falling and we gave to use more dribble penetration," David City Coach Cortney Couch said.

Junior Seth Behrens, who struggled in the team's loss to Aquinas the night before, finished with a 17 points. He was 13-of-18 at the free throw line.

David City (3-4), which defeated the Tigers by 31 points Dec. 5, looked to be in good shape again when it led by as many as 14 points in the first half.

North Bend (2-5) rallied, getting close enough to make it a one-possession game.

The Scouts got three-point plays by Behrens and freshman point guard Austin Havlena to go up 55-47 with 3:37 left.

Aaron Christensen hit two baskets to pull the Tigers within two points, but the Scouts responded.

Aaron Schmid hit a free throw with 1:57 remaining. Behrens added two more after North Bend missed a three-pointer. Havlena hit another after another Tiger miss.

Behrens and Havlena each cashed in a pair of free throws in the last minute to keep the Scouts, who snapped a three-game losing skid, up by six.

The David City defense once again had its hands full with North Bend sophomore Kale Wietfeld, who'd scored 21 points against them the first time. Wietfeld scored a game-high 29 points against them in the rematch.

Schmid ended up with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Clark had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Behrens had five assists.

Fredrickson had eight rebounds for North Bend. Conner Emanuel had eight steals, seven in the second half. Jake Kroenke had four assists.

David City is scheduled to visit Twin River Friday. The Scouts will host Milford Saturday and Tri-County next Tuesday.