GREENSBURG — The Hauser boys basketball team got off to a terrific start Friday night in its Mid-Hoosier Conference game at South Decatur.
The Cougars started to make things interesting in the fourth quarter, but the lead the Jets had built was big enough to secure a 67-55 win.
Hauser has won four in a row and six of its past seven games.
“We’ve been practicing a lot better,” Hauser junior Alex Gross said. “We changed our defense to get out on shooters better. Everyone is stepping up their game, and we’re all working to get better.”
The Jets’ bench provided a big spark in the first half, too. Brad Paetzel put up six of his nine points in the first 16 minutes, and Clayton Wilson added another six.
Pete Trotter also drew three charges on the defensive end that fueled Hauser on offense. The Jets built a 29-13 lead and led 37-23 at the half.
“We’re proud of our second-quarter performance,” Hauser coach Griff Roth said. “Our subs came in and did a terrific job and extended the lead for us. I’m really, really proud of those guys.”
The Jets (10-6, 4-0) missed some bonus free throws late to extend the game, but the Cougars (7-10, 0-3) came up short.
“We struggled a little bit, but to come back from where we were, I’m not going to take it, but we have to figure it out,” South Decatur coach Bryan Dixon said.
Connor Wilson finished with a game-high 22 points to lead Hauser. Mason Sherman had 11, and Gross added nine.
Matt Cornett led the Cougars with 18 points. Nick Benge added 10.
