Hiawatha Collegiate Snaps Hubmen Win Streak 76-72
By Tracy Helgerson
Last Friday night, the Jordan Hubmen basketball team welcomed the Hiawatha Collegiate Wolves to town. It was a great battle between the two teams, with the largest lead by either team being only four points. The outcome of the game wasn’t decided until the final minute of play, when Hiawatha outscored Jordan by five to win 76-72. With the loss, Jordan’s record is now 6-2.
Hiawatha Collegiate 76, Jordan 72
Three minutes into the game, the Hubmen and the Wolves were tied at 10. The Jordan full-court press proved effective, forcing turnovers to take an 18-15 lead. Mitchell Schmidt quickly scored 10 points and was defensively keeping Hiawatha’s 6’6” sophomore post, Dion James, in check. The first half remained close throughout, with Hiawatha taking a 34-32 halftime lead.
In the second half, Jordan scored five straight points, including a three-pointer by Lexyn Grof, to reclaim the lead at 37-34. After 11 minutes of back-and-forth play, the game was tied at 56. An offensive rebound and basket by Mitchell Schmidt gave the Hubmen a one-point lead, 62-61, with 3:35 remaining. After trading baskets, Jordan regained the lead when Graham Helgerson made two free throws, putting the Hubmen up 70-69 with a minute to play.
On the next possession, Hiawatha hit a three-pointer to retake the lead with 49 seconds remaining. Another Wolves basket extended their lead to 74-70. With 22 seconds left, Lexyn Grof threw a pass to Mitchell Schmidt for a basket, bringing the Hubmen within two points. On the ensuing play, Hiawatha broke the Jordan press and scored a layup to go up 76-72 with eight seconds remaining. After a Jordan timeout, the Hubmen were hoping for a miracle, but the final shot fell short at the buzzer. Hiawatha Collegiate secured the win, 76-72.
Overall, the stat sheet for both teams were comparable. Each team had 33 rebounds and 11 assists. Hiawatha recorded one more steal, while Jordan had two more blocks. Jordan shot better from inside the arc, whereas Hiawatha excelled from three-point range. Both teams struggled at the free-throw line, with Jordan connecting on just 50%, while Hiawatha managed 46%.
Mitchell Schmidt had an impressive shooting night, making 14 of 15 shots from the field. He led the Hubmen with 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals. Lexyn Grof contributed 19 points, while Brayden Davis added 10 points and 7 rebounds.
The Hubmen are back on the road this week for three games:
1/7 @ Watertown-Mayer, 7:00 PM
1/9 @ Randolph, 7:15 PM
1/11 @ Providence Academy, 3:00 PM
