Hartsburg-Emden boys open with a win at the Marseilles Christmas Tournament

[December 27, 2016]  Brady Wolpert was named Player of the Game Monday night as he led the Hartem Stags over the Somonauk Bobcats 67-56 in the Marseilles Christmas Tournament. Wolpert’s 18 points and 7 rebounds earned him the honor as the Stags opened the holiday tournament with an impressive victory.

Alec Hayes also contributed to the win in big fashion with his 17 points and 8 rebounds. Antonio Coit-Kirk scored in double figures with 12 points and he also pulled down 7 boards for the Stags.

The Stags, who led 40-24 at halftime, shot 45.6 percent from the field as a team.

Stags Head Coach Jason Garber was pleased with the win and said following the game, “This was a good win for us. It’s tough to come out strong like we did after a two-hour bus ride. We came out with a hot start and we were up 25-12 at the end of the first quarter.” Coach Garber continued, “We maintained our lead through the half at 40-24. We were in foul trouble in the third quarter and we were unable to play aggressive. We had guys playing positions they haven’t played all year. They cut the lead to 44-36 at the end of the third, but we battled in the fourth quarter. We knocked free throws down when we had to.”

The Stags improved to 5-4 on the season with the 67-56 win.

 Hartem, seeded no. 6 in the tournament will face Ottawa-Marquette, a no. 3 seed, at 8 p.m. tonight.

Hartem scoring

Wolpert 18
Alec Hayes 17
Coit-Kirk 12
Baker 9
Phillips 7
Austin Hayes 2

Somonauk scoring

Wegener 21
Lawson 10
Bode 10
Pfau 6
Roberts 6
Johnson 3

[Teena Lowery]