Sigourney Sneak Past Southeast Warren in First Round

Published by editor on Wed, 02/22/2023 - 12:02pm

Sigourney’s Issac Bruns tries to dribble past swarming Southeast Warren defenders. Photos by Sean Strohmayer

By:

Sean Strohmayer

The News-Review

SIGOURNEY—The Sigourney Savages hosted the Southeast Warren Warhawks on February 13 for the first round of the Class 1A-Region 5 bracket. The Savages secured the tight victory over the Warhawks by a final score of 55-52.

After a quarter of play, the Savages and the Warhawks were tied up at nine apiece. The back and forth battle continued into the second quarter, as the teams were all knotted up at 20 points apiece.

The Savages secured a 36-32 lead heading into the fourth quarter behind six third quarter points from sophomore Issac Bruns.

Bruns continued the momentum, as he added eight more points in the fourth quarter. Bruns completed two and one opportunities, and was the target of a very crafty ATO from Sigourney head coach Mitch Eslick. Coach Eslick spoke on the ATO play with, “I was just trying to steal a free bucket.” He went on to describe how proud he was of his team on the execution they had on this play. ATOs have been a struggle from the Savages, and to see the perfect execution gave coach Eslick an immense amount of pride in his team.

The Savages were led by sophomore Issac Bruns, who concluded his night with 21 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Senior Karson Weber finished his night with 12 points, three rebounds and four assists. Coach Eslick spoke on the performances from Bruns and Weber with, “If we are going to win, we need them to be good on the offensive end, and they were tonight.”

Coach Eslick went on to speak on the defensive matchup senior Cole Clarahan dealt with all night. Clarahan, listed at 5 '10, matched up against a 6' 7 center for the Warhawks. Coach Eslick described, “This is what Cole has done all year. We have asked him to guard some of the best post players in Class 1A, and he battled all night.

Coach Eslick spoke on the game as a whole with, “Blood pressure was definitely elevated in the fourth quarter there, but this is what it is all about. It is either win or go home, and this is why you work hard all December and January.

The Savages advance to the second round of the Class 1A-Region 5 bracket, where they will visit the Baxter Bolts, who are currently ranked 4th in Class 1A.