BELMONT – Black Hawk doubled up Belmont on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter, 14-7, to erase a four-point deficit and escape with a 44-41 non-conference victory over the Braves in boys’ basketball action at BHS on Thursday, Dec. 1.
    The Warriors (2-1 overall) opened up a 10-5 advantage after one quarter of play, but the Braves (0-3) charged back by outscoring their guests 29-20 over the next two quarters to build up a 34-30 lead heading into the final frame.
    However, Belmont could not hold off the Warriors in the fourth quarter as they fell by three points for the second straight outing.
    “We have played three games this week and we have gotten better every game. We have six kids playing as hard as they can and they are representing us very well,” said Belmont head coach Jeff Hodgson. “If we continue to play this hard, it is just a matter of time before we turn the corner.”
    Cory Rupnow netted 13 points and Coltin Piefer added 12 points to lead the Warriors, while Cory Triem and Cuyler Meier contributed five points apiece for the victors.
    Jeremy Richardson paced the Braves with a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Brandon Wedig dropped in 11 points and Avery Willborn knocked down nine for the hosts.
    At Warren, Ill., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, the Warriors went on the defensive and gave new head coach Corey Manlick his first victory at Black Hawk by besting Warren, 36-23, in a non-conference affair.
    The Wisconsin Warriors limited the Illinois Warriors to just 10 points in the first half to build be a seven-point halftime lead, and the visitors pulled away with a 15-9 fourth quarter run.
    “It was nice to get the first win out of the way and, hopefully, more are on their way to come,” said Coach Manlick. “We showed great patience with the ball on offense and didn’t force many shots against Warren’s 2-3 zone. The team played stellar defense all night by recognize who the shooters were and limited second chance opportunities. I’m very proud of how the team played despite be outnumbered.”
    Senior Hayden Schliem poured in 15 points and pulled down seven rebounds to lead Black Hawk. Kyle Walters and Coltin Piefer added six points apiece for the Warriors.
    Black Hawk opens Six Rivers East play at Albany on Friday, Dec. 9. On Tuesday, Dec. 13, the Warriors head to Potosi for a non-conference game.
    At Belmont, on Tuesday, Nov. 29, the visiting Wauzeka-Steuben Hornets used a 14-10 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter to take down the Braves, 49-46, in their season opener.
    Junior Brandon Wedig poured in a game-high 18 points to lead Belmont on the night, while junior Jeremy Richardson turned in a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
    Isaac Haag and Avery Willborn netted seven points apiece for the Braves.
    Teagan Cornell and Brett McCullick tallied 12 points apiece to guide the Hornets. Joe Huber and Daniel Molini added nine and eight points, respectively, for the guests.

Black Hawk… 10  12    8  14 - 44
Belmont.…….   5  18  11    7 - 41
Leading Scorers: Black Hawk- Cory Rupnow 13, Coltin Piefer 12, Cory Triem 5, Cuyler Meier 5, Hayden Schliem 4, Kyle Walters 2, Kyle Woodruff 2, Seth Butler 1. Belmont- Jeremy Richardson 13, Brandon Wedig 11, Avery Willborn 9, Isaac Haag 4, Kyle VanBogaert 2, Justin Nodorft 2.

Black Hawk… 7  10   4  15 - 36
Warren...……. 6    4   8    9 - 27
Leading Scorers: Hayden Schliem 15, Kyle Walters 6, Coltin Piefer 6, Seth Butler 5, Cory Triem 2, Cuyler Meier 2.

Wauzeka… 10    7  18  14 - 49
Belmont….   6  10  20  10 - 46
Leading Scorers: Brandon Wedig 18, Jeremy Richardson 14, Isaac Haag 7, Avery Willborn 7.