Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Hunter Horn of St. Edmond shoots against Iowa Falls on Friday in the Gael gym. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

Hunter Horn scored 33 points, Jakob Koopman added 14 and Carson Bargfrede 11 as the St. Edmond boys ran past Iowa Falls-Alden here Friday, 85-46.

Playing at home for the first time this season, the Gaels (2-0 overall, 2-0 in the North Central Conference) never trailed against the Cadets (1-2, 0-1).

Horn, who threw down a thunderous dunk off one of five Koopman steals, had 12 in the opening eight minutes alone. The senior finished the first half with 25 points, helping St. Edmond take a 19-point cushion into the break.

Featuring four returning starters from a squad that reached the Class 1A semifinals a season ago, the Gaels are expected to challenge for the NCC title and a return to Des Moines.

“These kids just understand the game so well,” SEHS head coach Adolph Kochendorfer said. “We had some struggles there early just because we’ve been practicing so much and not playing games because of the weather. Sometimes, those practice habits carry over and things don’t go the same way during a live game.

“But we got settled in and really played a strong game.”

For Iowa Falls-Alden, junior Karsen Kalous scored 17 points, sinking five 3-pointers.

“They have some nice shooters, but our defensive effort was great,” Kochendorfer said. “They got a few good looks and knocked them down, but for the most part, we really did a great job on that end of the floor.

“We have to expect teams to play physical with us and try to make it that kind of contest. I thought our guys did a nice job of not responding to that in the wrong way and matching the intensity on both ends of the court.”

Along with his 14 points and five steals, Koopman grabbed six rebounds. Grant Galles added eight points and Jack McElroy had three steals.

St. Edmond committed just eight turnovers.

Bargfrede, who has committed to play for former University of Iowa star and Mason City all-stater Jeff Horner at Buena Vista University, also had a dunk. The sixth-man last season, Bargfrede has moved into the starting lineup alongside fellow seniors Koopman, McElroy, Galles and Horn.

“All that experience is just so important — especially later in the season,” Kochendorfer said. “This group understands what we are working for; you don’t have to get after them much and they really listen and just play hard.”

The Gaels have had two games postponed due to weather, but are looking to find open dates to make them up with Southeast Valley and South Hamilton. Both are non-conference opponents.

Next action for St. Edmond will be Tuesday when they host Algona.

ST. EDMOND 85, IOWA FALLS-ALDEN 46

St. Edmond — Jakob Koopman 5 2-3 14, Jack McElroy 0 2-2 2, Grant Galles 4 0-0 8, Hunter Horn 12 9-10 33, Carson Bargfrede 5 0-0 11, Ty Mericle 4 0-0 12, Logan Hanson 1 1-1 3, Thomas Ehn 1 0-0 2, Griffin Laufersweiler 0 0-0 0, Jacob Nieland 0 0-0 0, Jacob Moore 0 0-0 0, Thomas Knobbe 0 0-0 0, Jamison Baker 0 0-0 0. Totals: 32 16-18 85.

Iowa Falls-Alden — Brody McNeal 4 0-0 9, Daniel Michaelson 0 0-0 0, Karsen Kalous 6 0-0 17, Collin Pieper 2 1-2 5, Sam Turner 4 1-1 10, Brody Harper 1 0-0 3, Isaiah Jess 1 0-0 2, Parker Buseman 0 0-0 0, Kade Fritz 0 0-0 0, Layton Renaud 0 0-0 0, Prentice Howard 0 0-0 0, Sullivan Venner 0 0-0 0. Totals: 18 2-3 46.

Quarter scores: St. Edmond led 17-8, 39-20, 64-38. Three-point goals: St. Edmond 5 (Mericle 4, Bargfrede 1), Iowa Falls-Alden 8 (Kalous 5, Turner 1, Harper 1). Total rebounds: St. Edmond 26, Iowa Falls-Alden 14. Steals: St. Edmond 15, Iowa Falls-Alden 3. Turnovers: St. Edmond 8, Iowa Falls-Alden 18. Team fouls: St. Edmond 11, Iowa Falls-Alden 10.