Horn’s career night carries Gaels
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Hunter Horn scored a career-high 32 points as the St. Edmond boys downed Manson Northwest Webster here Thursday night, 71-53.
Horn, a sophomore, was coming off a then-high of 29 points in a win over Algona. He also had 17 rebounds with a block and a steal.
Sam Mericle drained six 3-pointers to finish with 22 points while adding nine rebounds, and JT Laufersweiler hit a pair of triples to score 10 for the Gaels (5-5 overall), who have won two of three to start 2024.
"We moved the ball very well," SEHS head coach Adolph Kochendorfer said. "We have several capable shooters, and when you make the extra pass, you give them an even better shot. With Hunter doing his thing down low, Sam, JT and the other guys knocked down shots outside.
"I thought we gave (Manson NW) trouble with our defense. Jack (McElroy) did a nice job on Logan (Moline) and we kept him in check early on."
Moline, a junior who was averaging almost 27 points per game coming in, finished with 23, but had just five at the half as St. Edmond raced out to a 36-14 advantage.
Horn scored 16 in the first 16 minutes and Mericle knocked down three of his 3-pointers during a 19-4 run to start the contest.
"I think they are getting comfortable with each other," Kochendorfer said. "We've only had our complete team a couple of times this year because of injuries and sickness. We were able to get healthy over the break and it feels like they are getting more familiar with one another."
After the break, the Gaels continued to execute on offense, as Horn accounted for 10 in the third to help keep the score out of reach.
Before Manson Northwest Webster (8-4) won 66-64 last year, the Gaels had claimed seven consecutive wins in the series.
"These guys that are back really wanted this one," Kochendorfer said. "These kids know each other and it was important for them to gain bragging rights in the series."
St. Edmond returns to the floor on Tuesday when they travel to Clarion-Goldfield/Dows. They are also set to host Eagle Grove on Thursday in a contest postponed due to weather.
Manson NW plays host to Southeast Valley on Tuesday.
ST. EDMOND 71, MANSON NW 53
St. Edmond – Sam Mericle 8 0-0 22, Jakob Koopman 1 0-0 2, Jack McElroy 1 0-3 2, JT Laufersweiler 4 0-0 10, Hunter Horn 15 2-8 32, Andrew Clavey 0 0-2 0, Grant Galles 1 0-0 3, Ty Mericle 0 0-0 0, Thomas Cosgrove 0 0-0 0, Elias Kolacia 0 0-0 0, Drake Vandi 0 0-0 0, Jackson Calvert 0 0-0 0. Totals: 30 2-13 71.
Manson NW – Matt Condon 3 5-6 11, Caydin Anderson 0 0-0 0, Broc Patzner 0 0-0 0, Logan Moline 7 8-9 23, Grant Pohlman 4 0-1 8, Charlie Sturgis 2 2-3 6, Coy Moline 1 0-2 3, Drew Tincher 0 2-2 2, Ethon Morrow 0 0-0 0, Isaiah Daggett 0 0-0 0. Totals: 17 17-23 53.
Quarter scores: St. Edmond led 19-4, 36-14, 54-33. Three-point goals: St. Edmond 9 (Mericle 6, Laufersweiler 2, Galles 1), Manson NW 2 (L. Moline 1, C. Moline 1). Total rebounds: St. Edmond 36, Manson NW 29. Steals: St. Edmond 10, Manson NW 7. Blocked shots: St. Edmond 2, Manson NW 2. Turnovers: St. Edmond 15, Manson NW 16. Personal fouls: St. Edmond 13, Manson NW 14.