One practice, three players, 23 points.
Football season ended nearly a week ago for Har-Ber, and seniors Chad Ramey, Jon Vaughn, and Michael Fine got a total of one practice under their belt before their first basketball game.
The Wildcats (2-1) took on Pea Ridge (1-2) in Wildcat Arena Nov. 30, and Ramey was the difference maker.
“I think they [ Ramey, Vaughn, Fine] looked good especially considering they’ve only had one day of practice,” said senior Jacob Bladdick. “I’m looking forward to getting them into the full swing of things.”
Junior Alex Rice started the game well for the Wildcats scoring seven of his 13 points in the first quarter, and nine of the Wildcats first 20 points.
Har-Ber trailed 23-18 at the end of one quarter of play.
In the second quarter, the Wildcats battled back, using an array of weapons, scoring off of seven different players’ hands. Junior Hayden Redmond led the quarter with four points on consecutive possessions.
Despite a stronger quarter, Har-Ber still trailed 38-34 at the break.
The third quarter was similar to the second, in respect to terrific passing by the Wildcats finding the open man. Five different players scored in the third.
Distribution of the ball continued in the fourth and overtime as well, setting up senior leaders to get the job done.
Ramey scored six of his 14 points in the fourth, including two clutch free throws, with 31 seconds left to tie the game at 71.
Following the free throws, Pea Ridge ran the clock down and called a timeout with six seconds to go.
Junior Jacob Hall of Pea Ridge missed a floater, which would have clinched the game. Hall led all scorers with 19 points.
In overtime, senior Jacob Berry hit a three on the opening possession, and Har-Ber never looked back. Berry concluded 10 points.
Despite the win, Har-Ber fouled a total of 40 times.
“I think we looked great most of the game, but we have to limit the fouls and make them earn every basket,” said Bladdick.
Har-Ber 81, Pea Ridge 76.
The Wildcats travel to Willard, Mo. for a four-day tournament Dec. 2-5.
