Wabasso Dominates Cathedral with Strong Second Half Performance | News, Sports, Jobs

Wabasso Rabbits Surge Past New Ulm Cathedral in Thrilling Comeback

In a captivating showdown on Friday night, the Wabasso Rabbits faced off against the New Ulm Cathedral Greyhounds in a Tomahawk-Valley Conference, Tomahawk Division boys basketball game at Cathedral High School. The game showcased the resilience and tenacity of the Rabbits, who turned a sluggish first half into a remarkable second-half performance, ultimately securing a 91-77 victory.

A Tale of Two Halves

The Rabbits entered the game with an impressive average of 85 points per game, but the first half proved to be a challenge. Struggling to find their rhythm, Wabasso managed only 37 points, trailing the Greyhounds by seven at halftime. New Ulm Cathedral capitalized on their early momentum, taking a commanding lead with a series of three-pointers, including four from Jake Finstad, who was instrumental in the Greyhounds’ offensive strategy.

Finstad’s sharpshooting helped Cathedral establish a double-digit lead early in the game, pushing the score to 25-12. The Greyhounds continued to build on this advantage, reaching a 32-19 lead thanks to another three-pointer from Eli Anderson. With Cathedral hitting 8 of 15 shots from beyond the arc in the first half, it seemed as though the Rabbits were in for a long night.

The Turning Point

However, the second half marked a dramatic shift in momentum. Wabasso head coach Scott Leopold emphasized the need for his team to play more aggressively and to tighten their defense. His words resonated with the players, who came out of the locker room with renewed energy and focus. The Rabbits quickly outscored the Greyhounds 15-4 to start the second half, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive adjustments.

Brayden Guetter led the charge for Wabasso, finishing the game with 21 points. His ability to penetrate the lane and score, coupled with contributions from Calvin Hanna (14 points) and Jack Burns (10 points), allowed the Rabbits to regain control of the game. As the second half progressed, Wabasso’s defense effectively limited Finstad’s touches, who had scored 15 points in the first half but struggled to find his rhythm thereafter.

Defensive Adjustments and Missed Opportunities

Cathedral head coach Alan Woitas acknowledged the impact of Wabasso’s defensive adjustments. "They set us up and did some things that we were not used to," he noted. The Greyhounds, who had been efficient in the first half, found themselves missing several contested shots around the basket. Woitas pointed out that while they were able to drive to the lane, they failed to finish consistently, which proved costly in the second half.

Despite a valiant effort from Finstad, who ended the game with a game-high 26 points, Cathedral could not keep pace with the Rabbits as Wabasso pulled away in the final minutes. The Greyhounds managed to cut the lead to 61-58 at one point, but the Rabbits responded with a series of baskets that sealed their victory.

A Lesson in Resilience

Leopold expressed satisfaction with his team’s second-half performance, emphasizing the importance of taking open shots. "I told them that if they are open to shoot the ball," he said. "I can live with a miss but I cannot live with them not shooting the ball." This philosophy paid off as the Rabbits found their shooting touch, ultimately scoring 54 points in the second half alone.

The victory improved Wabasso’s record to 4-3 overall and 3-2 in the conference, while Cathedral fell to 3-3 and 3-1 in the division. The game served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of basketball, where a team’s fortunes can shift dramatically within the span of a single half.

Conclusion

The matchup between the Wabasso Rabbits and New Ulm Cathedral Greyhounds was a thrilling display of high school basketball, characterized by a stark contrast between the two halves. Wabasso’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity speaks volumes about their character as a team. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this experience, with the Rabbits aiming to maintain their momentum and the Greyhounds seeking to bounce back from a tough loss. The excitement of high school basketball continues to captivate fans, and this game was a perfect example of why.