Hot Hastings sinks Mac

McPherson High graduate Cody Rierson is expected to provide McPherson College with a lot of sizzle this year.

By STEVE SELL, Sentinel Sports Editor

NORTH NEWTON -- McPherson College's Bulldogs ran into a buzzsaw Friday night in the Bethel Classic.

Hastings College came out absolutely on fire in the first half to build up a 44-23 lead over the Bulldogs, who never recovered in losing their first game of the year, 84-61.

"They got on a roll and we couldn't stop them," said McPherson coach Roger Trimmell, whose team is now 1-1 on the year. "We've got to get out and do a better job of guarding. We had some good shots, but we just couldn't hit them."

Hastings was an incredible 13 of 21 from 3-point, including a 6-of-9 effort from Aaron Kobza, who didn't start the game. He finished with 22 points.

The Bulldogs didn't get much offense from other than Kenny Romero and Roy McDonald. Romero scored 18 points, hitting 7 of 8 from the field, but suffered an injury in the second half and did not return. McDonald scored 14 points, doing most of his damage in the second half.

The Bulldogs were just 6 of 22 in the first half from the field before catching fire to make 15 of 25 in the second half, but the early damage was done.

The Bulldogs are back in action tonight, as they take on Haskell at 6:00. The teams played earlier this season, with the Bulldogs rallying from 16 points down to win, 85-81. Haskell was defeated Friday by Bethel, 95-75.

Mac (61) -- Hooks 8, Romero 18, Rierson 7, McDonald 14, Carter 6, Soto 5, Pitts 2, Gustafson 1.

Hastings (84) -- Toepfer 3, Dutout 10, Broz 12, Holland 11, Sochor 5, Morken 2, Kobza 22, Sealock 2, Jumper 8, Campbell 3, Snyder 4, Scholl 2.