Panthers punish Elks, face tough week

By Dan Truttschel/Sports Correspondent

After it hit a low point in a 46-point loss to Kettle Moraine during the Christmas holiday, the Wilmot boys basketball team did a little soul searching.

Based on last week’s return to conference play, the Panthers found some answers.

Wilmot jumped out to an 18-8 first-quarter lead at Elkhorn last Thursday night and never really was challenged from there in a 65-41 Southern Lakes Conference victory.

The win improved the Panthers to 8-3 overall and 3-1 in the SLC heading into a critical showdown Tuesday night with league-leading Union Grove. Results of that contest were unavailable by press time.

Wilmot coach Jake Erbentraut is pleased with how his team has responded since its disappointment in Wisconsin Dells.

“Our team (everyone collectively) did not show up to play and our effort was very poor (against Kettle Moraine),” he said. “We talked about that we’ll never get that game back, but like in any mistake, you learn from what we did and what we need to do.

“Our team has answered that and bounced back to playing some good basketball. Everyone is playing a role to helping their team be the best. It’s enjoyable to watch, and we now know what it takes to be successful.”

Wilmot pushed the tempo against Elkhorn on offense, and on defense, the Panthers used their pressure to force the Elks into mistakes.

That combination was the key, Erbentraut said.

“It always goes back to having us run and play our style, which I think we did,” he said. “We were able to pressure Elkhorn and force them to do things they are not accustomed to, and then we capitalized on those mistakes.”

The Panthers forced the Elks into 23 turnovers.

Wilmot built on its 10-point lead in the first quarter with a 19-8 advantage in the second. The teams played basically even in the second half, as Erbentraut played his reserves significant minutes.

“Overall, we had balance within our personnel,” Erbentraut said. “I didn’t realize we played our bench so much in the third quarter until I watched film. I didn’t realize that because, when our players came in off the bench, there was no drop off. Everyone contributed.”

Brandon Schattner led the Panthers with 18 points, five assists and three steals, followed by Nate Hensel with 17 points, five rebounds and three steals.

Both seniors appear focused to lead their team down the stretch, Erbentraut said.

“Without a doubt, we follow them,” he said. “They have the experience and the skill to allow our team to play at our best.

“We need them for our last six weeks and into the playoffs. If they can continue to do what they did against Elkhorn, we’ll reach our potential.”

Other leaders against the Elks were Evan Ketterhagen with eight points and two steals and Brendan Walsh with eight points, including two 3-pointers.

 

Big game Friday

Following Tuesday’s game with Union Grove, the Panthers will travel to Burlington Friday, Jan. 17, to face the Demons at 7:30 p.m. That game will follow the varsity girls contest at 6 p.m., as all three levels of boys and girls will play that night.

The game originally had been scheduled for Dec. 20, but was postponed because of inclement weather.

 


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