The Belmond-Klemme boys’ basketball team is back to its winning ways.
After snapping a five-game winning streak with a loss on Jan. 2, the Broncos picked up three victories in a five-day span. They beat West Hancock 61-37 on Jan. 6, Northwood-Kensett 77-32 on Jan. 8 and Osage 49-48 on Jan. 10.
The wins up Belmond-Klemme’s record to 8-2 and have them in a second-place tie in the Top of Iowa West standings at 5-2.
Belmond-Klemme 61, West Hancock 37
A slow start and early deficit at West Hancock didn’t phase Belmond-Klemme too much.
The Broncos outscored their opponent 54-29 in the final three quarters en route to a 61-37 victory on Jan. 6.
“We didn’t shoot the ball particularly well in the first half, but I was proud of our kids for staying committed to the game plan,” Belmond-Klemme coach Justin Meyer said. “Our execution improved as the game went on, and we found our rhythm offensively in the second and third quarters.”
Down 8-7 after the opening eight minutes, Belmond-Klemme took a 25-20 lead into halftime. They opened the game up in the third and led 46-29 going into the fourth quarter.
The Broncos shot 35.7% (20-for-56) from the field and were 5-for-18 (27.8%) from 3-point range.
On the defensive side of the ball, Belmond-Klemme forced West Hancock into 24 turnovers and picked up 13 steals. They also added five blocked shots.
“Defensively, we were active all night and did a great job forcing turnovers, which allowed us to gradually pull away and finish the game strong,” Meyer said.
Brody Heifner scored a game-high 17 points to go with seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Fellow junior Kysen Lamb put in 14 points, four boards, four assists and four steals. Juan Medina did what he normally does, coming off the bench and pumping in 11 points and pulling down eight rebounds. Griffin Paulsen added five points and three steals.
Belmond-Klemme 77, Northwood-Kensett 32
Belmond-Klemme picked up its most lopsided victory of the season on Jan. 8, downing visiting Northwood-Kensett, 77-32.
The Broncos built an early 26-10 lead and cruised into halftime up 42-18. The lead ballooned to 46 points, 70-24, going into the fourth quarter.
This win was all about defensive energy,” Meyer said. “From the opening tip, our guys were locked in and disruptive, creating a lot of live-ball turnovers that led directly to transition baskets. That’s something we emphasize every day in practice, and it was great to see it show up so clearly in a game setting.
“Forcing a season-high 25 turnovers was a testament to our effort, communication, and commitment on the defensive end.”
Belmond-Klemme had 11 of its 15 guys who played register points. Pulling down 24 offensive rebounds allowed the Broncos to put up 71 shots.
Heifner led the way with 24 points on 10 of 16 shooting; he capped off a double-double with 10 rebounds — remarkably eight offensive — and three steals. Medina had 16 points and seven offensive boards. Lamb had nine points and six rebounds and Paulson chipped in eight points.
Belmond-Klemme 49, Osage 48
In a nailbiter on Jan. 10, Belmond-Klemme went to Osage and escaped with a hard-fought, 49-48 victory.
Osage — which came into the game with an 8-2 record — stayed in the game with 13 offensive rebounds and eight made 3-pointers.
Belmond-Klemme was 22-for-52 (42.3%) from the field and only 1 of 11 (9.1%) from outside the 3-point arc.
“It wasn’t the prettiest offensive performance, but any win in that gym is a good one,” Meyer said. “Osage is a quality team on the other side of the conference, and winning on their home floor is never easy.
“While our offense wasn’t quite clicking, our defense was excellent, holding them 13 points below their season average. I was really pleased with our toughness and ability to find a way to win when things weren’t perfect.”
Heifner had a massive game with 18 points and 19 rebounds. He also added three steals and two assists. Paulsen was 7-for-8 shooting, putting in 17 points and grabbing four boards. Medina scored eight points and Lamb had six.
Belmond-Klemme has a busy stretch, hosting Lake Mills on Jan. 16, traveling to Colo-Nesco the next day, heading to Clarion-Goldfield-Dows on Jan. 19 and welcoming in Eagle Grove the next day.