Jacob Meseke | @jacob_meseke
Winter sports season started this weekend with basketball at home against Axtell and the wrestling team faced Abilene, Sabetha, and Ottawa in a home quad.
Girls basketball won easily against Axtell 53-14. Junior Lauren Schutter was the Chargers leading scorer with 20 points and also 14 rebounds. Senior Madisyn Wertzberger scored 11 points and 8 rebounds. Freshman Karli Meseke scores 9 points as well.
“After only having 6 practices to prepare, I thought we came out and competed really well,” head coach Trevor Keller said. “Early on we gave up a few easy baskets, but after the first two minutes we were able to settle in and went on a 31-3 run to close the first half. Some areas that we need to improve are rebounding, taking care of the ball and executing our half court offense. Overall, it was a good first game but we have a long way to go in order to be playing at a high level in February and March.”
Coach Keller liked how freshmen stepped up in the game.
“I thought that Karli (Meseke) and Taryn (Maike) played extremely well for it being their first game at the high school level,” said Keller.
The boys lost in heartbreaking fashion against Axtell 42-41. Junior Cade Oliver scored 18 points and had 3 steals. Senior Tyler Lohmeyer scored 11 points and hauled in 8 rebounds.
“The Axtell game was a learning experience. We did some good things, but as we all know have a lot to work on. I thought Mondays practice was our best yet. I’m looking forward to our game against Manhattan Chief,” said head coach Christian Ulsaker.
Ulsaker went to Twitter after the game to tweet his feelings.
“Last night hurt. Lost on a last second layup. We have a lot to improve on. Games like this will humble you as a coach and player. Time to get back to work.”
Coach Ulsaker loves Oliver’s toughness and Dawson Schultz stepping up.
“I loved Cade’s energy and toughness. Kid is a natural talent. Dawson really stepped up and played well. He didn’t try to do too much and played his game. I loved to see that about him,” said Ulsaker.
On Saturday the wrestling team hosted a quad against Abilene, Sabetha, and Ottawa. Senior Eli Mumpower and Junior Jackson Havenstein both had 2 wins on the day. Senior Derek Wallin and freshmen Alex Beggs and Cody Berkenmeier all had one win
“We did okay for only having one week of practice,” said head coach Joey Heersche.
Basketball will compete in the Wabaunsee Invitational Basketball Tournament this week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Tuesday they will play Manhattan CHIEF, on Thursday they will play Northern Heights, and on Friday they will play Frankfort.
Wrestling will compete Saturday in a tournament at Clay Center.
The Charger 
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