The Geneseo High School boys’ basketball team suffered two tough losses in conference play, but was able to nab one NCIC victory this past week over Streator.
Geneseo vs. LaSalle-Peru
Geneseo suffered another heartbreaking loss in conference play Feb. 16 as the Leafs fell by two, 32-30 in overtime to host LaSalle-Peru.
“I wish I knew what was happening, but it is just the way it is falling right now,” said head coach Dave Martin. “We have won some very close games, too, but it’s hard to win when the shots don’t go consistently.”
LP led at the end of the first quarter by one, 7-6, but Geneseo gained control of the lead at the half, 14-9. The Leafs scored eight points in the second quarter and managed to hold the Cavaliers to only two.
The Cavaliers came out in the third quarter on fire as they knocked down 15 points, while the Leafs scored only seven. LP led 24-21 entering the fourth quarter.
In the final minutes, Geneseo was able to tie the game, 28-28 to force overtime. The Leafs scored seven points in the fourth quarter, while the Cavaliers were limited to four.
In overtime, Geneseo was held to only two points, while LaSalle-Peru was able to one up the Leafs and hit four points for the win.
Only five Leafs were able post points for the squad as Blake Croegaert led the team with nine points on four field goals and a free throw.
Billy Hamer added eight points on four shots from the field, while Michael Ashpole had six points on three field goals. Chase VanOpdorp scored five points on two field goals and a free throw and Jonathan Staab hit a field goal for his two points of the game.
Geneseo vs. Streator
The Leafs rebounded from the loss the night before to capture a 58-41 win over visiting Streator Feb. 13.
“Against Streator, I thought we really moved the ball well,” said Martin. “We bounced back (from the Dixon loss) as I was hoping. It has been tough for the guys, but they don’t stop working.”
Geneseo led 10-9 at the end of the first quarter, but Streator came back to take the 23-19 advantage into halftime. Streator scored 14 points to Geneseo’s nine in the second quarter.
The Leafs regained control of the lead in the third quarter as the team knocked down 15 points and held Streator to eight for the 34-31 score in favor of the Leafs. Geneseo outscored Streator, 24-10 in the final minutes to earn the win.
Croegaert, Staab, Sam Hamer and VanOpdorp all posted double figures for the Leafs Saturday night.
Croegaert led the way with 14 points, hitting two shots from beyond the arc, three field goals and two free throws, followed by Staab with 13 points on five shots from the field and three free throws.
Sam Hamer added 11 points with a three pointer and four field goals, while VanOpdorp hit 10 points on a field goal and eight shots from the foul line.
Ashpole finished the game with five points on two field goals and a free throw, while Billy Hamer drained a three pointer for his lone points of the night and Connor Johnson scored two points on a field goal.
Geneseo vs. Dixon
It was a defensive battle against two NCIC foes Feb. 12 as Geneseo hosted Dixon in what ended up being a low scoring outing for both squads. The Dukes prevailed with a 22-21 victory.
At the end of the first quarter, Geneseo led 6-2, but Dixon came back in the second quarter to take the 10-9 lead at the half. The Dukes hit eight points in the second and held Geneseo to only three.
Things didn’t pick up offensively in the second half for either team as both teams were held to single digits.
Dixon extended its lead to 16-13 in the third quarter as the Dukes scored six points and Geneseo finished with four.
The Leafs cut into Dixon’s lead in the final minutes, but two missed free throws in the final stretch for Geneseo handed the Dukes the win. Geneseo scored eight points in the fourth, while Dixon finished with six.
Only five players were able to post points for the Leafs as Ashpole led the team with seven points on three field goals and a free throw.
Billy Hamer, Staab and Jared Kuban all ended the game with four points, each with two field goals and VanOpdorp scored two points on a field goal.
The Leafs (11-11 overall and 6-5 in the NCIC) will host Ottawa tonight at 7:30 p.m. and then Alleman at 6 p.m. Feb. 20.
“We are getting better,” said Martin. “I just hope we have enough legs left. We’ve played a lot of games as of late.”
Geneseo, Ill. —
