Wildcats use big third quarter to roll Panthers

Louisburg senior Konnor Vohs drives to the basket and was fouled during Tuesday’s game at Paola. Vohs was one of three Wildcats to score in double figures.

PAOLA — The third quarter hasn’t always been kind to the Louisburg boys basketball team, but on Tuesday against Paola, the Wildcats thrived.

Louisburg held Paola to just two points in the third quarter, which eventually led to a running clock in the fourth, and was good for a 70-38 blowout win for the Wildcats at Paola High School. 

On a night where the Wildcats shot the ball well, and the defense was on the top of its game, it was a recipe for the win they were hoping for to help break their 3-game losing streak.

“We needed to put both sides of the ball together and the last couple of games we haven’t been good on the defensive side, which most of the season we have been pretty good at,” Louisburg coach Ty Pfannenstiel said “We haven’t been that great offensively, so when you don’t put both sides of the ball together you are going to struggle.

“For us to come out and play well, both offensively and defensively, shows what we are capable of, but we played well and that was important for us.”

The two teams matched each other basket for basket in the first quarter and the Wildcats were able to get out to a slim 5-point lead at halftime.

It all changed in the third quarter as the Wildcats went on a 21-2 run to begin the second half and took all of the air out of the Panthers’ sails.

Julian Margrave set the tone offensively for Louisburg as he finished with a game-high 26 points to go along with five rebounds and two steals. Seniors Ben Guetterman and Konnor Vohs were also active for the Wildcats as they finished with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Senior Weston Guetterman added seven points and a team-high five assists, while senior Dawson Barnes also added seven points. It was the Wildcats’ ability to attack the basket that gave them the spark they needed, which led to eight 3-point makes.

“We didn’t settle for jumpers and we attacked the lane and kicked it out to get our feet set,” Pfannenstiel said. “We stressed that early. I wanted Weston and Ben to attack the rim a little bit more before they look to shoot from the outside. We shot it well and things always look a lot better when the ball goes through the hoop.

“I think almost everyone got on the scoreboard for us, except for Andy Hupp, but he contributes in so many other ways and that is the type of player Andy is. It is a great team win. It reminded me a lot of the Bonner Springs win earlier in the season. We were just very unselfish and played confident the entire game.”

The Wildcats also took care of the ball and committed just four turnovers on the night and forced 15. Louisburg scored 20 points off those turnovers, and also had success scoring inside.

Louisburg will try to make it two straight wins tonight when it hosts Ottawa for homecoming. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

LOU 17 15 19 19 — 70

PAO 17 10 2 9 — 38

LOUISBURG (9-5): Julian Margrave 11-15 1-1 26; Ben Guetterman 6-10 0-1 14; Konnor Vohs 5-6 1-1 12; Weston Guetterman 3-8 0-0 7; Dawson Barnes 3-4 0-0 7; Michael Seuferling 1-2 0-0 2; Maverick Rockers 1-2 0-0 2. Totals: 30-50 2-3 70. 3-point field goals: 8, (Margrave 3, B. Guetterman 2, W. Guetterman, Vohs, Barnes)