Cardinals drop Indians in OT

They say “defense” wins games.  That theory was put into action Friday night, when Garner-Hayfield-Ventura hosted Forest City (6-2, 9-2) for their second match-up of the season.  Defense was on display in the low scoring OT ballgame.

“We knew this game would be a dogfight,” said Coach Joe Albertson.  “Our first game against them was sloppy, so I thought this one would have more flow to it.  However, the six days we had off might have had us both a little off.”

The Cardinals topped the Indians in December, 43-36.  Forest City, who boasts one of the best defensive units in the state, allows 38.3 points per game.  Even with an overtime, the Indians still held the Cards under that mark.  Fortunately for the Cardinals, their defensive game is pretty stellar as well.  They came away with a 37-36 OT victory.

The Cards trailed 8-4 early in the game before Holden Hutcheson and Chase Theobald both connected on threes to take a 10-8 lead.  GHV held a slight 12-10 at the end of the first quarter.

The Indians came alive in the second quarter and put in eight unanswered points to go up, 18-13.  Connor Burke and Johnathan O’Connor connected on some free-throws just before the half to take a one-point lead to the break, 23-22.

Defense was key in the second half.  The score was knotted, 32-32, heading in to the fourth quarter.  Scoring was at a premium in the fourth quarter, with each team scoring three-points apiece for the final 35-35 tie.

There were plenty of turnovers and missed shots for both teams in overtime.  James Betz connected on an assist from O’Connor to take the lead, 37-35, with :32 remaining.  The Indians were sent to the line for two shots with :04 remaining. They made the first shot, but missed the second for the final 37-36 Cardinal victory.

“Our post defense in the second half was very good,” said Albertson.  “We were able to win the battle of points in the paint.  Our boys stayed together when things were not going well and found a way to win the game.  This game had a lot of lessons, both good and bad, and will ultimately make us better.”

Nick Joynt had a good game for the Cardinals with nine-points, 10 rebounds, one assist and two steals.

O’Connor and Betz each had eight points, while Hutcheon, Theobald, Burke and Logan Dahlbeck had three points apiece.

Ryan Meyers had five rebounds and two steals for the Cards.

Hutcheson led the team in assists with five and O’Connor had three.

The win stretched the Cardinal winning steak to 10 and has put them at the top of the Top of Iowa West Conference with a 9-0 record.