HOPE — The Joe Sibbitt Era of Hauser boys basketball got off to a fast start Tuesday night against Brown County.
Defense led the way for both teams, but it was the Jets defense that proved to be much stronger. Hauser had a late stretch offensively in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 45-34 season opening victory.
"(Defense) was really where we won the game. We turned the ball over way too many times tonight," Sibbitt said. "We didn’t help ourselves with missed free throws. We have to cut down on the turnovers. We’re going to be a work in progress. I’d rather win ugly and learn lessons than to lose."
Defense was the theme early for both teams, with the Eagles and Jets forcing turnovers and a lot of missed shots. Once the offenses started to get going, Hauser was able get the extra push to lead 12-6, but a steal and layup from Nick Huls cut the lead to 12-8 after the opening quarter.
Aaron McCann drained a 3 to start the second quarter for Brown County to make it 12-11 until a basket by Clayton West extended the lead to 14-11.
The Eagles eventually were able to take the lead 17-16 after four straight free throws from Travis Ely to make it 17-16 with over three minutes left in the second quarter. Landon Asher hit a layup for Hauser, and Ely responded with a basket to make it a 19-18 Brown County lead. The Jets connected on two free throws to finish out the half and lead 20-19.
Hauser came out more aggressive to start the second half that gave it plenty of opportunities at the foul line, increasing the lead to 26-19. A free throw by the Eagles and a Aaron McCann 3-pointer made it 26-23 with over four minutes to go in the third quarter.
The Jets extended the lead again following a field goal from Trey Johnson and a couple baskets from Jackson Paradise to make it 32-23 with over a minute left in the third. A 3-pointer from Huls cut it to 32-26, but Paradise answered right back with a layup to make it 34-26. A layup from Ely cut Brown County’s deficit to 34-28 heading into the fourth quarter.
McCann hit a triple to start the fourth to cut it to 34-31. After Paradise converted two free throws, Ely then converted a 3-pointer to make it 36-34. With just under three minutes left in regulation, Asher hit a triple to extend the lead to 39-34. A Johnson free throw and a basket from Bryce Bates extended the Jet lead to 42-34 with less than two minutes left to play. Brown County couldn’t string a comeback.
"We traveled way too many times," Brown County coach John Berning said. "Most of these guys played varsity last year so there is no excuse for that. We’re better than that, and we’ll bounce back."
For Hauser, Johnson finished with a game-high 13 points, Paradise finished with 11 and Asher added 10.
For Brown County, McCann finished with a team-high 12 points and Ely added 11.
The Jets will have its toughest opponent of the season at Columbus North on Saturday.
"It wasn’t pretty, but were 1-0, and we know we have our hands full Saturday," Sibbitt said. We are not going to be scared to go down there. It’s going to be a good experience for us no matter what the outcome is. They’re probably going to be as good as anybody we see this year."
