Wisconsin defeats Iowa for sixth grade boys crown

Wisconsin defeated Iowa, 38-21, on March 10 to win the Amherst Youth Basketball sixth grade boys division. Members of the team, pictured from left, are: front row - Matthew Shank, Todd Huber. Evan Haskins and Ezra Steinfeld; back row - coach Ron Shank, Dave Costanza, Kyle Zurak, Hank Ransom, Nick Kiener and Evan Poole.

The Wisconsin Badgers led throughout en route to defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes, 38-21, on March 10 in the sixth grade boys division of Amherst Youth Basketball.

In the first quarter, the Badgers' Hank Ransom and Kyle Zurak led the scoring with four points each. Nick Kiener was able to score two points from a tip back giving the Badgers ten points at the end of the quarter. Evan Haskins found himself more than once in the right spot by getting three defensive rebounds and good passing for Wisconsin. Hawkeye, Brett Pusateri took advantage of a shooting foul and a basket for four points. Mike Shake added one point, giving the Hawkeyes five points to close the quarter.

The second quarter was give-and-take with each team ending with six points. Ransom again sank shots for four points and Zurak laid in a jump shot for two points. Ezra Steinfeld played another strong defensive game by getting his quick hands on the ball and breaking up Hawkeye charges. Steinfeld was also credited with two defensive rebounds.

Iowa's Pusateri broke through the Badgers' defense and sank four points while Ben Morina found the basket for two points. At the end of the first-half, the Badgers led, 16-11.

Led by a strong defense and great rebounding, the Badgers started to open up the game in the second half. Kiener was able to break through and contribute five more points for the Badgers. Ransom continued to play a solid game, sinking four more points from tip backs. Evan Poole, who led the Badgers all season in rebounds, helped his team after sinking a shot for two points. Todd Huber is credited with four assists and getting good passes to his teammates that resulted in scoring opportunities. Huber also played a strong defensive game. The Hawkeyes continued to battle with Madison Maley leading the quarter for his team with four points. Pusateri and Shake each added a basket.

In the final quarter, the Badgers held the Hawkeyes to one Pusateri basket (12 points). The Badgers' Ransom, who had his best game of the season, added five more points for a game total of 17. Zurak drove into the key and sank two baskets for four more points (10 points) and Kiener sank two points (nine points). Matthew Shank was able to set up a couple of picks that opened the key for his teammates to score. Shank also played great defense with strong guarding that resulted in turnovers for fastbreak opportunities. Dave Costanza, recovering from a broken arm, cheered his team on from the bench.