Freedom hits nine threes in second half

By Greg Seubert

The three-point shot helped the Freedom boys’ basketball team take the lead in the North Eastern Conference standings.

The Irish connected on 11 threes – including nine in the second half – Jan. 9 in a 73-50 win over Waupaca. Freedom improved to 6-0 in conference play and 7-3 overall, while Waupaca fell to 3-3 in the conference and 3-7 overall.

Freedom had a 21-9 in the first half, but Waupaca tied the game at 23-23 with a 14-2 run. The Irish scored the final four points in the half and took a 27-27 lead at the break.

Zach Mashlan and Jakob Balthazor combined for eight threes that helped give the Irish a 63-44 lead and Waupaca never got any closer than 15 points the rest of the way.

The Irish outscored Waupaca 46-23 in the second half.

Justin Vaughn and Brandon Wanty led Waupaca with 19 and 14 points, respectively. Balthazor led Freedom with 21, while Mashlan added 18 and Luke Pingel finished with 13.

Waupaca will play at Denmark Friday, Dec. 12, before hosting Wrightstown Tuesday, Jan. 16.