The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 49, Milford, Kosciusko County, 3 December 1986 — Page 8

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., December 3,1986

Sports

Warriors stun Mishawaka in 72-70 comeback win

I By MARK WEINSTEIN Sports Writer MISHAWAKA - A game is never over until it’s over. For the first four minutes in Wawasee’s 72-70 victory over Mishawaka, the game appeared to be over. Mishawaka had everything going its way — good shooting, rebounding, momentum, and a 13-0 lead. But Darin Atwood’s only points of the evening, a three-point play with 4:11 left in the first quarter, broke Wawasee’s scoring barrier and sparked the Warriors to the thrilling non-conference victory. “This is a gigantic win for us, said an enthusiastic Wawasee head coach Gary Goshert minutes after the come-from-behind victory. “I hope it makes these kids gain a lot of confidence in themselves. We beat a team with good size, strength and shooting ability . ’’

BROSHE % ~ ** ~ fl ’ b flhe' Bl Mltr L ■ J / * ' —-wte;. wB Wl VICTORY CELEBRATION — Wawasee’s Gary Goshert, left, and Matt Dick, right, display the joy of victory, seconds after the Warriors defeated Mishawaka, 72-70. at Mishawaka. The win was Wawasee’s third straight under Goshert. (Photo by Mark Weinstein)

Warriors run past Rochester

SYRACUSE —Wawasee's girls' basketball team, behind a balanced scoring attack, improved its record to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the Northern Lakes Conference, as the Warriors ran past Rochester, 71-36, Tuesday evening at Wawasee. For Wawasee, the contest was very important. The Warriors, coming off another lopsided win against Penn, still had several questions that needed answers. The Wairiors received some of the answers Tuesday. A potent running attack, good defense, and players coming off the bench, and contributing, highlighted the Wawasee victory Wawasee’s bench play, particularly, showed the Warriors’ strength — which was in doubt. Wawasee’s reserves, playing nearly one-half of the game, sustained the Warriors' momentum that was g ,ined early in the first period. As expected, the contest really wasn’t one after the first period. Rochester, without a senior on the team, stayed with the Warriors, briefly, in the first period. Tied at four, with 5:26 remaining in the initial period, Wawasee ran off 14-straight points to gain control of the game. Kelly Brooks, who finished the game with 15 points, tallied eight of the points in the first eight minutes as Wawasee built a 20-7 lead after the first break. Wawasee continued to pad its lead in the second period, with the help of its bench. Heidi Brower and Amy Barton came off the pine for the Warriors and contributed at both ends of the court. Brower scored six points on three long-range, high-arching fielders Meanwhile, Barton was better on the defensive end of the court The freshman came up with several rebounds, and a couple of steals as the Warriors extended its lead in the second frame to 40-19 by halftime. “We played a good ball game, considering the competition,” ad-

Wawasee trailed the entire first half, with the 13-0 deficit being its largest to overcome. But once the Warriors started hitting their field goal attempts, the game turned in Wawasee’s favor. Wawasee sliced the Cavemen’s initial lead to four, 17-13, after one quarter, and two by halftime, 39-37. But Wawasee’s explosive transition offense, and aggressive defense controlled the second half for the Warriors. Wawasee, now 3-0, used its fast break to erase a two-point halftime deficit and forge a fourpoint cushion after three quarters. Fred Steffen and Tim Mangas were key figures in the period. Steffen, who scored a seasonhigh 20 points in the contest, triggered Wawasee’s break as he dominated the defensive glass. Mangas, meanwhile, was on the receiving end of Steffen’s work — scoring 10 of his 28 points in the period.

mitted Wawasee head coach Dale Brannock. “That's not a knock on Rochester, but without a senior on their team, it is hard towin.” The second half the Warriors returned to their starters, and the scrappy group extend their 21-point halftime lead even further Wawasee's largest lead was 42 points, 69-27, with 5:05 remaining in the game. Lai Reed was the difference in the third, scoring 10 of her gamehigh 18 points in the period. The 5-3 junior had a career-day, scoring from the perimeter, as well, as layups. “Lai hit from all over,” added Brannock. ’’‘Tonight it didn’t matter where she was, inside or outside. She was on tonight. ” But so was the rest of the War- ’ riors. Ann Vitaniemi, playing onehalf of the game, finished with 12 points, six in the third period. Brooks, who fueled Wawasee’s quick start at the outset of the game, ended with 15 points. Although the Warriors had little trouble with the Rochester, which falls to 0-3 on the season, Brannock was not totally pleased with his teams performance. “We turned the ball over too much,” insisted the seventh-year coach. “We need to play under control. Once we learn to do this, then we are doing a pretty good job.” Wawasee was whistled, unofficially, for 24 turnovers, nine in the final quarter. Rochester turned the ball over 32 times. Incidentally, it was a special evening for Wawasee’s Amy Conroy, a former Rochester basketball player. Conroy, who recently moved within the Wawasee School Corporation, made her first start as a Warrior — against her former teammates. Conroy scored four points for Wawasee. Sherilyn Brown proved to be Rochester’s lone offensive weapon as the 6-0 junior scored 10 of Rochesters’36 points. •'

Still, the contest went down to the wire. Wawasee, which held a sixpoint lead late in the third quarter, slowed down the tempo, and its momentum with a deliberate offensive style midway through the final period. The change in style kept the game close, but always in Wawasee’s sight. With 3:49 remaining in the game, and the game tied, Steffen came up with one the key plays in the contest. Looking for a high percentage shot, Wawasee worked the ball around Mishawaka’s zone defense. Finally, Steffen came free underneath and a Mangas pass to the 6-3 center found the range. But Steffen’s shot didn’t — it was blocked. However, Steffen retrieved the loose ball, and scored over two Mishawaka defenders while being fouled. Steffen missed the charity toss, but the fielder gave

. Statistically, the Warriors connected on 33 of 76 field goal attempts for 43 percent. From the charity stripe, Wawasee canned 50 percent of its tosses, 5 of 10. Rochester, as the score indicates, struggled offensively. (Continued on page 9)

Time to reflect..

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful to the Lord for all the blessings he has given us. We often times neglect this important truth. But, even though the holiday is over, a thankful attitude should continue Thanksgiving is more than eating turkey and being with relatives. Oh well, end of sermonette. Continuing in a thankful frame of mind, let me share with you some items that I am thankful for... Athletics. Without this subject, life would be boring and I would be searching for another job. Bo Schembechier. One of the finest college football coaches in the country today, Schembechier continues to produce winning teams at Michigan year after year. With his consistency, life in the fall is very enjoyable. lam also thankful for Grace College. Without this institution for higher learning, I would not be sitting at this computer writing another ho-hum story. Now you know who to blame. Green Bay’s Charles Martin when he slammed Chicago’s Jim McMahon to the ground two weeks ago. Now I don’t believe what Martin did to McMahon was right, but since he dumped the mouthy quarterback on his shoulder, there’s nothing else that can be done. I’m thankful that Martin was suspended, but it should of been longer than two games. Let me add the Detroit Lions to my list. The Lions, perennial losers in the NFL, have been exciting this season. Even when

the Warriors momentum, and a two-point lead. “I think his (Steffen’s) basket was one of the key plays,” admitted Goshert. “We were in a lull offensively at the time, and it seemed to pull us out of it. It was a very big basket.” But Mishawaka didn’t fade. With 40 seconds remaining in the contest, Mishawaka’s Greg Martin, who finished the evening with 29 points, knotted the score with an 18-foot jumper along the right baseline. Then came the biggest call by the officials all evening. On Wawasee’s ensuing trip downcourt. Martin appeared to come up with the key defensive play of the game —a charging call against Wawasee. But the officials, who at times, seemed to be viewing another contest, called Martin for blocking. Nathan Rhoades, who has come up with big plays all season, sank a pair of freebies with 15 seconds for a 72-70 Wawasee win. Mishawaka had

GAME SUMMARY

WAWASEE (72) FG FT TP Fred Steffen c 8-16 4-7 20 Nathan Rhoades f 2-6 7-8 11 Tim Mangas g 9-18 10-12 28 Darin Atwood g 1-4 i-2 3 John Frasure f o-l 0-0 0 Brett Harter 2-2 0-0 4 Matt Dick 2-7 0-0 4 Mike Eastman 1-2 0-1 2 James Braggs 0-0 0-0 0 Brian Rensberger 0-0 0-0 0 Totals 25-56 22-31 72 Team fouls: 19 Team rebounds: 26 (Steffen 10)

Quarter Scoring Wawasee ......1324 21 14 72 Mishawaka 1722 15 16 70 Officials: John Lozier and Scott Mason, both of Logansport. Preliminary Score: Mishawaka 63-61 OT. t

Cavemen trim Wawasee 65-61, in overtime

Wawasee’s junior varsity boys’ basketball team played its best game of the season, but in the end, came up four points short, losing a 65-61 overtime thriller to Mishawaka. Mishawaka er trailed in the contest en route to the victory The Cavemen, who built as much as a seven-point lead in the first half, watched the Warriors battle back in the final half to force the extra playing period. Trailing 42-38 entering the final period. Wawasee. now 1-2, used Basil Bonner and Rob Huey's of-

Bellmont tops Warriors in 'classic' match

BREMEN — Wawasee's wrestlers pinned four Bremen Lions Tuesday Dec. 2, en route to an easy 52-21 Northern Lakes Conference victory. With the win, the Warriors improve their record to 7-1 overall, and 1-0 in the NLC, and set up the THE showdown Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Goshen. In the Warriors' rout of Bremen, the Lions appeared to give the contest away with two early forfeits. After Bremen won the first match, a Jake Hundt pin

On The Mark MARK WEINSTEIN W' 4 ~ Mjk Ji * they lose. Case in point — Thanksgiving Day. 1986: The Lions, leading hapless Green Bay 48-37, with 45 seconds remaining in the game, watched their sixth win turn into the Lions’ eighth loss (44-40) after a Detroit punt. On the punt, the Packers returned the Lions’ effort 83 yards for the game-winning TD. What an exciting way to end the contest. This loss is similiar to another Lion loss — their 1980 Thanksgiving Day loss to Chicago. In this game, Detroit led the entire game, then, on the final plav of regulation play, Chicago scored the tying touchdown. Unfortunately, it was the first year for the overtime period. Detroit lost the coin flip, and the contest all at the same time. On the kickoff, Chicago returned Eddie Murray’s kick 95 yards for the victory. Just another exciting

two opportunities to tie the game, but a turnover and missed shot at the buzzer thwarted its effort. Rhoades finished the evening with 11 points. Although Wawasee’s starters played a solid game, the role of the reserves was instrumental in the victory. Brett Harter, coming off the bench for the first time this season, was perfect from the field (2-2), but more importantly, his defense helped slow down Mishawaka. Matt Dick added a pair of long range fielders for the Warriors, while Mike Eastman played a solid floor game at both ends of the court. “If we didn’t have a total team effort, we’d probably finish the same way we started the game,” said Goshert, referring to Mishawaka’s 13-0 start. “I’ve been really impressed with the way our kids come off the bench. They are ready to play.” The Warriors’ next battle will be Saturday, Dec. 6, at home against Prairie Heights.

MISHAWAKA (70) FG FT TP DeCraene 3-6 1-3 7 Martin 11-20 .7-8 29 Benner 1-2 0-0 2 Fowler 2-3 4-5 8 Stabrowski 2-3 3-5 7 Wood 2-2 0-0 4 Reinhol 1-3 0-0 0 Bueche ......1-3 0-0 2 Fairley 4-5 1-3 9 Totals 27-48 16-25 70 Team fouls: 20 Team rebounds: 30 (Fowler 9)

tensive firepower to bring the Warriors even with Mishawaka, 54-54, at the end of regulation. However, Neal Frantz team could of won the game in regulation had the Warriors converted its free throws. In the final quarter, Wawasee missed six charity tosses, including one on the front end of the bonus. In all, Wawasee shot 51 percent from the foul line (15 of 29). Matt Koble paced the Wawasee effort with 16 points. Bonner contributed 15, while Huey added 14 for the Warriors.

of Wawasee's Rick Weaver, the Lions forfeited the next two classes (105 and 112). Those two victories, along with some solid wrestling, ignited the Warriors. Eliseo Roa started Wawasee’s victory parade with a pin of#Dan Beeth. Roa pinned the Lion in 1:44. But the pins didn’t stop there. Shawn Jones continued the art, like Roa, as he pinned Ron Johnson in 1:31. After Bob Doerr defeated Bremen’s Kelly Blevins

Detroit give-a-way. Gary Goshert and his coaching philosophy. Goshert brings an interesting style to Wawasee, which in my opinion, was greatly needed. The Warriors play an exciting, up-tempo style of basketball. Win or lose, the Warriors will be exciting this season. Finally, I am thankful for Michael Jordan, for making the Chicago Bulls respectable. The last time Chicago had anything to cheer for was when Chet Walker, Bob Love, Norm Van Lier, and Jerry Sloan put the Bulls in the playoffs. Bulls fans now have something to cheer about. Jordan has issued some hope for a winning season •— even a chance at making the playoffs two years in a row. Thank you, Michael, it could not of been done without you. □ Kim Zurcher (Wawasee) will start for the Minnesota Golden Gophers basketball team this season. A junior college transfer, Zurcher could be a valuable acquistion by the Gophers this season. Minnesota will play at Purdue University, Wednesday, Jan. 14. □ For Chet Kammerer, returning to Indiana was nightmare. Kammerer, a Leesburg native, br ought his basketball team from Westmont College (Santa Barbara, Calif.) to Indiana State University for a game with the Sycamores. Kammerer probably wishes he stayed in the golden state.

fl ’/ flflflflflfltlElllfn BUf 4 Lv<» wßFin WPv JKZj a j. f F J K»S * 9 " ’ AHA 1 I & DEFENSIVE PRESSURE — Brett Harter, middle, and Fred Steffen, right, apply defensive pressure to a Mishawaka player during second half action of Wawasee’s 72-70 victory over the Cavemen. Steffen, who turned in his best game of the season, scored 20 points and grabbed a teamhigh 10 rebounds for Wawasee. (Photo by Mark Weinstein)

“by a technical fall, Mike Foy pinned Brent Shephard in 1:32. “We did a good job early,” insisted Wawasee head coach Dave VanLue. “Bremen is weaker in the lower weight areas, and we wanted to take advantage of them.” And that is exactly what the Warriors did. They even dominated the higher weight classes. Jeff Wellborn kept Wawasee's snow-ball effect moving in a positive way with a win by

. and be thankful

The 1964 Grace College graduate, and former Lancer mentor, watched his team drop an 76-69 decision to ISU, a NCAA Division I basketball team. Westmont is an NAIA school. □ John Nemeth, a senior at Wawasee High School, recently returned home from one of the six golf tournaments of the World Series of Junior Golf. The first match was held in Houston, Texas. The event is in conjunction with the Professional Golfers Association. The golf tournament will resume December 12, 13, 14, in Pompano Beach, Fla.; then continue two weeks later in Palm Beach Gardens. The remaining tournaments will be conducted at Palm Springs, and Miami, Fla. □ Nathan Rhoades, Scot McDowell, both of Wawasee, and Ryan Miller of North Wood recently were named to the allstate football team by the United Press International. Rhoades was selected as a defensive back while McDowell and Miller were named as interior linemen. □ The “Hoosiers” saga continued this past week — which benefited Warsaw’s Steve Hollar. In a prepared statement, Hollar was given a three-game suspension, instead of a year. Still, it is not known whether Hollar will be forced to return the $15,000 he earned while making the movie.

technical fall over Bob Suhanowski. After Josh Lantz defeated Bruce Bugunia 9-0, Chris Yoder pinned Dan Blair in 3:24. Bremen gained some respect in the final three matches, as Ron Kauff defeated Garrett Ponciroli 14-1; Cory Jacobs bested Scott Shoemaker 12-1; and Pete Martin won by forfeit for the Lions. “I was surprised with Shoemaker’s and Ponciroli’s performance,” said a disappointed VanLue. “Ponciroli just lost his

□ , r This was the week for college and professional coaches to lose their jobs — four in one week. The Indianapolis Colts, losers of all 13 NFL games this season, waived goodbye to Rod Dowhower, while in the NBA, the New York Knicks fired coach Hubie Brown. Brown should not have much trouble finding a new job — but the same can’t be said for Dowhower. In college, Fred Akers was fired by the University of Texas after his first losing season in six years. Maryland’s Bobby Ross voluntarily resigned his post. □ Rich Rhodes must of been dreaming about his secret admirer when he made his selections last week. Rhodes, who claims he’ll be a “bachelor to the rapture” received a special package from a special someone prior to his selections. No wonder Rhodes guessed right on only three of the eight games. Who knows, with the recent turn of events (secret admirer), Rhodes just might be walking down the aisle soon. Joining the panel this week as the guest panelist is Dr. Terrance R. Waggoner, Goshen. A chiropractor at the Goshen Chiropractic Center, Waggoner played soccer and basketball in high school, and soccer at the college level. 1 am still looking for additional guest panelists. If you would like to .ioin our panel, write to

concentration, but Shoemaker came in overweight, and, had to lose the excess pounds before the meet. He was too tired once the match started." Now, with Bremen behind them, Wawasee can concentrate on Goshen, probably its toughest competition in the Northern Lakes Conference. “It should be a good match,” insisted VanLue. “They (Goshen) have a very solid team and are experienced. We need to work hard, and be ready for them.”

SPORTS PANEL %The MailJournal, P.O. Box 188, Milford, Ind. 46542. Phone calls will also be accepted. A drawing on Friday will decide the guest panelist. This week’s games include Prairie Heights at Wawasee (AND THE SCORE), Warsaw at Goshen, Concord at Elkhart Centra,!, LaVille at Bremen. Mishawaka at Plymouth, Lewis Cass at Rochester, St. Francis at Goshen College, and Brigham Young University at Notre Dame. DERK KUHN (.933) —Wawasee (72-60), Warsaw, Concord, LaVille, Mishawaka. Rochester, St. Francis. BYU. HOMER MILLER (.867 ) —Wawasee (75-68), Warsaw, Elkhart Central, LaVille, Plymouth, Rochester, St. Francis. BYU. * DR.TERRANCE WAGGONER (.867) —Wawasee (74-65) Warsaw, Concord. Bremen, Mishawaka, Rochester, Goshen College, Notre Dame. MARK WEINSTEIN ( .867) — Wawasee (85-82 ot), Warsaw, Concord, LaVille, Mishawaka. Rochester, St. Francis, Notre Dame. MARK HUFFMAN (.806) —Wawasee (64-57). Warsaw, Concord, LaVille, Plymouth. Rochester, Goshen College, Notre Dame. RICH RHODES (.533) — Wawasee (85-57), Warsaw. Elkhart Central. LaVille. Mishawaka. Rochester. Goshen College. Notre Dame. ♦Denotes Guest Panelist