NFV boys’ BB sweeps 

By Jerry Wadian
Sports Editor
jwadian@thefayettecountyunion.com

The North Fayette Valley boys’ basketball team enters the holiday break with a two-game win streak after beating Starmont (54-43) and South Winn (56-47) last week. 

Tuesday (Dec. 16) in West Union, the TigerHawks jumped on the Stars early, racing to an 18-8 first-quarter lead.

Starmont rallied with a big third quarter, but NFV salted the win away with a 17-5 run over the final eight minutes.

Austin Callahan scored almost half of the TigerHawks’ points, going 10-15 from the floor for 23 points; he also grabbed nine rebounds.

Thomas Hanson was also in double figures with 12 points, including a pair of shots from downtown.

Brandon Fenneman led the effort off the glass with 11 rebounds. 

Star. 8 15 15 5 43

NFV 18 13 6 17 54

Points- Hanson 12; B. Fenneman, 9; Callahan, 23; Monnahan, 4; Heyer, 6. 3-pointers- Hanson, 2. Rebounds- B. Fenneman, 11; Callahan, 9; Kleve, 4; Hanson, 2; Monnahan, 2; Bouska. Assists- Monnahan, 5; B. Fenneman, 5; Callahan, 3; Kleve, 2; Hanson, 2; Martin. Steals- Kleve, 3; Callahan, 2; Hanson, B. Fenneman. Blocks- B. Fenneman, 2; Callahan.

Friday, the TigerHawks were in Calmar and needed an 18-9 run in the final eight minutes to even their record at 4-4.

After the first quarter in which each team scored eight points, NFV went on an 18-11 streak in the second quarter to lead, 26-19, at the break.

However, the Warriors came out hot in the third quarter to knot the game at 38-38. That’s when the TigerHawks stepped on the gas to blow by their hosts, 56-47.

Three TigerHawks were in double figures with Hanson setting the pace with 17 points, including a pair of treys.

Brandon Fenneman and Callahan both completed a double-double as Fenneman put in 15 points and grabbed 10 boards, while Callahan scored 12 points to go with 10 rebounds.

NFV 8 18 12 18 56

SW 8 11 19 9 47

Points- Hanson 17; B. Fenneman, 15; Callahan, 12; Monnahan, 4; Kleve, 5; Bemiss, 3. 3-pointers- Hanson, 2; Kleve, Bemiss. Rebounds- B. Fenneman, 10; Callahan, 10; Kleve, 3; Hanson, 3; Bemiss, 2; Monnahan, 2; Hurd. Assists- Bemiss, 4; Monnahan, 2; Martin, 2; ; B. Fenneman, Callahan. Steals- Bouska, 4; B. Fenneman, 2; Hanson, Bemiss, Callahan. Blocks- B. Fenneman, 4; Callahan, 4; Monnahan.

After the week was over, head coach Dan Hovden commented, “We are catching up from our late start and the guys are doing a nice job of paying attention to details.”

North Fayette Valley enters the holiday break with a record of 4-1 in the UIC and 4-4 overall. 

The TigerHawks return to the hardcourt Tuesday, Jan. 6, in West Union as the Eagles of Clayton Ridge (also 4-1 in conference play) come calling in a key UIC contest. 

Hovden stated about the second half of the season, “Hopefully we can pick up where we left off and continue to improve.”