FHS BOYS OPEN SEASON WITH OT WIN OVER NO. 2 COUGARS
In an interview with The Courier for next week’s boys basketball preview, Freeman Public head coach Lance Friesen cautioned not to put the cart before the horse when it comes to the high expectations for the upcoming season. After all, he said, the Flyers had yet to earn a signature win.
That changed Friday night.
Playing Class B’s No. 2 ranked team in the season-opener, Freeman Public came away with a 57-53 overtime victory over Viborg-Hurley — arguably the biggest win for a Flyers boys basketball team since 1999, the last time they advanced to the state tournament.
“We didn’t play perfect, we about lost the game on turnovers and missed free throws, but we played hard and we played together and we’re a really skilled team,” said head coach Lance Friesen. “When we’re unselfish and take care of the basketball, we’re really good, as we showed tonight.”
Freeman led by 10 points at the half and held a 41-34 lead going into the final period before Viborg-Hurley rallied to take a 44-41 lead late. But the Flyers tied the game on a free throw by David Walter and then a field goal in the paint by the freshman that ultimate forced overtime.
And it was Walter who sealed the win with four more free throws down the stretch to keep it a two possession game late — and that was that.
Walter finished with 18 points to lead the Flyers. Senior Christopher Aasen had 16 points and junior Tate Sorensen recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Luke Peters and freshman Tayden Kerrigan had four assists each.
Freeman will host Canistota next Thursday, Dec. 19; the Hawks lost to Centerville 50-37 Friday night.
In other action Dec. 13, the Freeman Public girls lost to Viborg-Hurley 53-28 to drop to 1-1 on the season.
