Post Messenger Recorder -

Friday, February 4, 2022. In a game that had “must win” written all over it for two teams vying for a conference title, it was the Wildcats of Belleville that would emerge the victor on their home floor, 76-69, largely behind the 27-point performance of Carson Syse and his team’s swarming, indefatigable defense. Oh yeah, it was a rivalry game too!

The game was played before a full house in full voice. You knew it was going to be special when the parking lot extended to somewhere near Paoli. The Belleville High School band was there, belting out their version of the Minnesota Rouser with an alacrity rarely seen this side of the Great River. 93.7 “The Big FM” was there to call the game for the audience at large. The atmosphere was nothing short of electric, and, as usual, when these two schools meet, the contest is always a donnybrook.

This game was a virtual mirror image of the last time they met, with the Glarner Knights jumping out to a quick 9-3 lead; Belleville using a stifling defense to get back into it; and Carson Syse again proving to be the wrecking ball in the end. (Syse had 24 points in the first game with five 3-balls. This time around it was 27 points with four 3’s, some of which were from NBA range - barely inside the gym. In each game his twin brother, Trevor, was held to 8 points.)

The Knights held the lead at the half 27-23. Belleville came out breathing fire to start the second, opening with an oppressive full court press and relentless ball pressure. At the 15:00 minute mark, the Cats took their first lead of the game on a 3 by Trevor Syse, who, playing on a tender ankle, was suspect until just before tipoff. (Yes, rivalry games do have some magical healing powers.) The lead would see-saw-back-and-forth as NG would try repeatedly to run their offense through their 6’8” center, Dain Walter, and the Cats would counter with support efforts from DeMarcus Conner and Anthony Nolden. (Walter would tally 21 hard-earned points as he was double and triple teamed at every touch).

At the 4:55 mark the Cats started to separate when they took a 54-46 lead, their largest of the game. From this point on the scoring was fast, furious, and the defense frenetic by both teams. Clever drives by NG’s Jackson Parman and two 3-balls by A.C. Strok put the game at 70-64 Cats with 47.5 seconds to play. Again it was Carson Syse rising to the fore with 4 free throws (he was 7 of 8 from the line on the evening) and a breakaway layup down the stretch. A.C. Strok hit a 3-ball at the buzzer to close the scoring as he finished with 18 points on the evening...alas, too little too late.

The Wildcats are now tied with Wisconsin Heights for first place in the Capitol South Conference, sharing 4-1 conference records. The Glarner Knights are two games back at 3-3, with a lot of basketball yet to be played.

A tough win, a tougher loss...it’s what rivalry games are all about.