Southwest made the short eight-mile trek to Cambridge on Friday evening for some matchups on the hardwood. In the girls game, it was Southwest who won, and for the boys matchup, Cambridge came away with the victory.
For the girls matchup, top-5 rated Southwest was able to take down Cambridge 56-19. Southwest started strong, going on a 17-0 to start the game and control things. They led 28-4 heading to the second period.
Cambridge was doing a nice job of finding shots and crashing the boards, but Southwest was too much.
The Roughriders advanced their lead in the second, going up 39-8 by the time we hit halftime. In the third quarter, Cambridge had their largest offensive output by scoring seven, Southwest countered with 15 of their own and it was 54-15 going to the final eight minutes.
The fourth quarter was quick, and Southwest closed out the game for the win.
After the game, we chatted with Kyra Nelms about the win.
Elisabeth Kubik led Cambridge with five points, Brooklyn Holtze had four, and Mallory Springer scored four. Cambridge is now 3-7 and will play Medicine Valley on Tuesday at home.
Southwest was led by Aspen Billeter with 16 points, Kyra Nelms had 13, Anastasia Gallegos had eight, Allison VanPelt scored seven, and Atleigh Nelms had six. The Roughriders are now 9-1 and will play Wauneta-Palisade on Saturday.
In the boys game, it was a matchup in which Cambridge was able to get a big lead, then Southwest climbed back into it. But Cambridge's offense behind 42 points from Brady Ahlemeyer was too much, and the Trojans won 76-65. Southwest had an excellent performance on their side too as Houston Billeter scored 32.
Check out our Highlights from the game brought to you by Prairie Girl Candle Company.
In the opening quarter, Cambridge led 14-9 as they were tough on offense and defense. Cambridge used a press to get that five point lead and continued to utilize it during the game. The Trojans led by double-digits but late in the half, Southwest slapped on a press of their own, forcing turnovers and getting some easy buckets. Houston Billeter, Trenton, Williams, and Jacob Barber hit some shots kate in the half that made it 33-28 going to halftime, in favor of Cambridge.
In the third, it continued to be a back-and-forth affair and late in the third quarter, it was 46-42 with Cambridge ahead. Cambridge scored once more before heading to the fourth and it was 48-42 heading to the final quarter.
With 5:12 remaining in the game, Cambridge led 51-48. Cambridge ran an inbounds play, swung it around the top of the key, leaving Maverick Webb open for a triple, and nailed it to make it 54-48. That bucket helped propel the Trojans late in the game.
The offense stayed rolling for the remainder of the game for both squads but Cambridge had some late free throws from Ahlemeyer to help seal the game.
We chatted with Ahlemeyer after the Trojans win and discussed what they did well and his big night.
For Southwest, what a game for Houston Billeter, 32 points and six made three pointers. Jacob Barber had 10 points, and Trenton Williams had seven.
Cambridge was led by Brady Ahlemeyer with 42 points, just shy of the school record held by Paxton Ross of 46, three rebounds, and four assists. Hodge Raburn scored 11 points and had nine rebounds, Maverick Webb had 10 points, five assists, and four steals. Braydon Miller and Krayton Ruggles were important on the glass too, accounting for seven and nine rebounds respectfully.
Southwest is 3-7 and will play Wauneta-Palisade on Saturday. Cambridge moves ot 4-6 and will be at home versus Medicine Valley on Tuesday.
Our Players of the Game brought to you by Farmers National Company - Lori Harding Real Estate Sales went to Aspen Billeter and Kyra Nelms of Southwest, and then Brady Ahlemeyer of Cambridge.
