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The Luverne boys’ basketball team had a full week with four games, winning two and losing two.
LHS lost to Martin County West 61-56 Jan. 31 and Fairmont 59-55 Feb. 2, both on the road. The Cardinals won against St. James 88-77 Feb. 3 and Edgerton 78-60 Feb. 6, both at home.
The Cardinals are now 9-9 for the season.
Luverne was scheduled to play H-BC at home Tuesday, Feb. 7, travel to Windom Friday, Feb. 10, and host Adrian Monday, Feb. 13.
MCW 61, LHS 56
The LHS boys’ basketball team lost by five, 61-56, in an overtime battle on the road against Martin County West Tuesday, Jan. 31.
“We started the game in a hole, struggling to score in the first half, but we were able to figure out the Mavericks’ zone and played a good second half,” said head coach John Sichmeller.
The Cardinals fell behind Martin County 20-12 at the half.
“We took the lead and had chances to put them away, but they made some big shots to send it to overtime,” Sichmeller said.
In the second half Luverne was able to outscore the Mavericks 39-31 to tie the game at 51 in regulation.
In overtime Luverne scored only five points to Martin County’s 10.
“We had a few too many turnovers and missed opportunities in overtime that hopefully we can learn from as we move forward,” Sichmeller said.
DeBeer led Luverne with a big double-double, scoring 23 points and muscling 11 rebounds. He also had three assists.
Sehr made five 3-pointers and seven baskets in the paint for 19 points. He also had two rebounds and two assists.
Gannon Ahrendt and Woodley added five points each. Ahrendt grabbed three rebounds, had four assists, three steals and three blocked shots.
Woodley had eight rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Landon Ahrendt contributed four points, one rebound and one assist.
Feit helped the Cardinals with two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Sneller came off the bench to add one assist.
Fairmont 59, LHS 55
Luverne fell to the Fairmont Cardinals 59-55 on the road Feb. 2.
“Their size was really difficult for us to handle,” Sichmeller said.
The LHS Cardinals played a tight first half but finished three points behind Fairmont 30-27 at the half.
“We got behind by ten points in the second half but we made a really nice run to get back in the game,” Sichmeller said.
“We had a couple good looks at the end to tie the game but were unable to score and we were forced to foul them.”
Fairmont shot 50 percent at the line in the game; Luverne made 25 percent.
“We were only two for eight on free throws and you are not going to win a lot of close games when you don't make your free throws,” Sichmeller said.
Gannon Ahrendt played a solid game with 19 points, snatching eight rebounds with two steals and two blocked shots.
DeBeer added 13 points and four rebounds including three assists.
Sehr made 10 points inside and one 3-pointer along with two rebounds, five assists and one steal.
Feit sank two 3-pointers and made another two points inside. He also had two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Woodley added four points, four rebounds, three assists and one blocked shot.
LHS 88, St. James 77
The Cardinals prevailed over St. James, 88-77, at home Friday, Feb. 3.
“Tonight was really the first time all season that Carter and Gannon both shot well, and when they are shooting like that, we are tough to beat,” Sichmeller said.
“I don’t think our defense was as strong tonight as it has been, but thankfully our offense was able to keep us in control all game.”
Both Luverne and St. James played a physical game. Neither team gave an inch on both sides of the court.
Gannon Ahrendt had a great night, sinking 35 points, grabbing nine rebounds, posting five assists, four steals and one blocked shot.
Ahrendt was seven for 10 on 3-pointers and dunked the ball five times.
Sehr was also hot in the game, making six of nine 3-pointers in his 25 points.
He also had three rebounds, five assists and one steal.
DeBeer muscled his way inside, making 22 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
He was also on point making eight of 11 at the free throw line.
Landon Ahrendt came off the bench to sink four points, and Sneller added two points, one rebound and two assists.
Cowell did not score but played a big role with two rebounds, four assists and one steal.
Feit contributed two rebounds and two assists in the Cardinals’ win.
Woodley did not show much in stats, but he handled St. James’ big man, No. 43, with class.
LHS 78, Edgerton 60
The Luverne boys’ basketball team defeated Edgerton at home, winning 78-60 Monday, Feb. 6.
“We didn’t play our best game, but we had a nice run in the middle of the second half to put them away,” Sichmeller said.
DeBeer led Luverne with 22 points, seven rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Gannon Ahrendt posted 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, four steals and three blocked shots.
Sehr added 12 points, one rebound, one assist, one steal and a blocked shot.
Cowell netted seven points, two rebounds and one steal.
Four other Cardinals added two points each. They are Sneller, Feit, Landon Ahrendt and Woodley.