The Manawa Wolves boys basketball team opened the home portion of the 2012-13 season by hosting Port Edwards last Monday, Nov. 19.
The Blackhawks used two key runs to earn the victory, outscoring Manawa 11-1 to close out the first half, allowing them to hold a 10-point lead at halftime.
After the Wolves had trimmed the lead to two after three quarters of play, the Blackhawks opened the final eight minutes with a 6-0 run and Manawa would pull no closer than five points.
Seniors Austin Dean and Wesley Krause combined for three 3-pointers giving Manawa a 9-4 lead with 5:01 left in the opening quarter.
Port Edwards junior center Jacob Joslin triggered a 6-0 run that gave the Blackhawks a 14-10 lead with 7:23left in the first half.
Slowly, Manawa chipped away at their lead. Senior Aaron Strebe’s free throw tied the game at 15 at the 5:57 juncture.
Sophomore guard Josh Schraeder’s two baskets started a 7-0 Port Edwards run before senior Brandon Bartel’s free throw ended that run, only to see Jake Schraeder finish the half with four points and a 26-16 lead for the Blackhawks.
Krauss and Dean would get the hot hand during the third quarter as Krauss drained three from behind the arc and Dean nailed one with three second showing on the clock to pull Manawa within two points at 38-36.
Unfortunately, Manawa would open the final quarter by going scoreless for over four minutes. Senior Logan Hass finally ended the drought but the Blackhawks still held a six point lead with 3:47 to play.
Clinging to a five point lead with 2:32 left to play the Blackhawks finished the game by making eight of nine free throws to close out the game, earning them a 58-49 victory.
Joslin led all scorers with 19 points and Dean led Manawa with 16 and Krauss chipped in with 15.
With the loss the Wolves evened their season record at 1-1. They beat Marion 53-46 in their season opener.
On Tuesday, Dec. 4, the Wolves open conference play as they host Weyauwega-Fremont and on Thursday Dec. 6, they host Wittenberg-Birnamwood.