Hersey downs Elk Grove to roll up another win

And the games go on for Hersey.

The Huskies, playing in their fifth game in the last six nights, rolled past host Elk Grove 65-33 Wednesday in a Mid-Suburban East boys basketball game in Elk Grove.

The game was a rescheduled contest from earlier this season when it was canceled due to COVID protocols. Despite the long stretch of games, Hersey coach Austin Scott wouldn't have it any other way.

"I think the reps for both teams was good," Scott said. "We need reps at varsity speed, which is good. It is always going to be a varsity speed when it is an official game."

True to his word, Scott went to his bench early. Scott played 15 different players as early as the second quarter. He was impressed with the energy they gave his team.

"It is a lot of opportunities to learn and grow from that," Scott said. "We had some guys play real well. Everything is about earning trust. Not just with me, but with the seniors that are playing."

Ethan Roberts, the Huskies' leading scorer, did not play. Roberts, who is nursing a sore ankle, was in uniform but sat the game out as a precaution, especially considering Hersey has games on Friday and Saturday.

Hersey (8-2, 6-1) did not miss a beat without him. The Huskies got a trio of 3-pointers from Brent Wolff and baskets from Johnny Ryg as they took a 37-19 lead at the half.

"It felt good to finally get my rhythm back," said Wolff, who would finish with 12 points. "I have been struggling to start the season with my 3. Teams have been doubling Ethan so this should help since I have my confidence back.

Jimmy Makuh had 10 points for Hersey, which had 13 different players score. Ryg had 7 points, Dylan Carlquist and Josh Bontje each had 6 points while Drew Zagorski had 5 points.

Breyden Smith, who is a junior and one of the few players who did not score for Hersey, looked good at the point guard for the Huskies.

"It felt great to be out there," Smith said. "As a junior, I do not get a lot of minutes because we have a competitive senior class, but it was a great experience to lead the floor."

Elk Grove was playing its third game in as many nights. Despite falling behind early the Grenadiers, who are extremely young, still showed great energy throughout.

"We do play," Elk Grove coach Nick Oraham said. "We have kids out there that are 14 and 15. They need to learn the toughness stuff. It comes with practice and watching film. We have to work on our toughness stuff."

Brandon Burns led Elk Grove with 12 points while Josh Mottley and Garrett Ewen each had 6 points.