Neers Back in the W Column

The Pioneers returned to the friendly confines of the Joe tonight following their losing venture in Warsaw last Friday night. The opponent tonight was the Conner Cougars with an early season record of 0-2 while SK was 1-1. 

The JV Neers started the game off with a win by a score of 54-30. The JV game marked the return of Jarred Bowling who rang up 12 points in the game. 

In the varsity game, SK’s defense came to life tonight. The Neers were trapping as soon as Conner crossed the timeline. SK was aggressive and the referees were obliging as the Neers turned Conner turnovers into points. SK went up 11-4 right out of the gate and led the first quarter by a score of 14-8. SK actually missed some early lay-ups that could have contributed to an even more lopsided score. The Neers would go on a tear in the second stanza and outscore the Cougars 24-9 for the 38-17 lead at the break. Coach Steiner and Company didn’t keep the boys in the locker room very long as the Neers were hitting on all cylinders in the first half. 

The tone of the second half was a little different as the referees called early holding calls as SK applied the defensive pressure. The deflections of the first half were called fouls in the second half which seemed to affect the whole flow of the game. SK maintained a comfortable lead but the offensive just didn’t click the same way it did in the first half. At times, the offense looked more like one on one AAU ball at times as the Cougars did make a nice little run towards the end of the third quarter. SK only outscored Conner by 2 in the third and led 57-34. Coach Steiner was able to go deep into the bench in the fourth quarter. 13 of 15 guys in TJ’s book were able to get their name in the box score as the Pioneers would go on to a W by a final of 76-49. SK was led in scoring by Andrew Sampson’s 16 points and Cody Chambers 15 points. Jared Swanson would net double figures off the bench contributing 10 points. The Neers would force 25 Conner turnovers on the night that was clearly the big reason for the SK win. 

SK will travel to Dry Ridge to take on the Grant County Braves in District action on Friday night.

Tip.


The Dog scoring two on a nice drive in the first half.


Looks like Monson is about ready to punt this ball.


Chambers with a nice take in the second half.


Can't think of a caption.


Now that's a leg kick.


Nice sized student section on the half-time roller coaster ride.