Cardinals Defeat Tigers to Win Golden Plains Division
by Co-Sports Editor Alex Wach

Hayes Center Cardinals claimed the Golden Plains Division of the RPAC Conference Tournament by defeating the Dundy County-Stratton Tigers, 65-47, on January 30, 2009, in Trenton. “We played our best game of the season so far,” said Head Coach Louis Cuellar. “We knew that Dundy County-Stratton was going to come out swinging, and we needed to match their intensity and we did.”

Hayes Center had three players in double figures and were led by Matt Gohl, who put in 17 points. Keifer Messersmith dropped in 16 for the Cardinals, and Luke Clifford scored 10. Evan Messersmith totaled nine points, and Brady Rosno, Tyler Clifford, and Brian Christner made seven, four, and two points respectively. Evan Messersmith dished out four assists and Luke Clifford assisted on two baskets.

Kendall Glidden scored a team-high 20 points for DCS. Aaron Baney put in 14 and Ben Anderson added eight points.

Keifer Messersmith and Brady Rosno each brought down seven rebounds to lead Hayes Center. Messersmith also snatched away six steals. Senior Gohl pulled down six boards and hustled up eight steals.

“We played a solid game on offense and defense and had good intensity throughout the game,” said senior Evan Messersmith.

Coach Cuellar said, “We are excited to play for a conference championship and get a rematch with Arapahoe.”

The Cardinals will take on the Arapahoe Warriors at Southern Valley High School on Saturday, January 31.