MINDEN – The Minden boys used a big second half to defeat Cozad 52-39 in the first round of the Southwest Conference tournament.
Minden stuck to their game plan of working the ball inside the paint on offense which eventually gave them opportunities outside the three point line. Whippet big man, Caden Bradley dominated the paint, scoring a game high 17 points. His presence in the lane drew extra Cozad defenders which allowed Minden to hit six three pointers throughout the game. After only leading by four points at the half, Minden would outscore the Haymakers 28-19 in the final two quarters to secure the win.
Along with Bradley’s 17 points, Carter Harsin scored 10, Seth Hauserman chipped in nine points and Braiden Schroeder scored seven in the Minden win. In the loss, Cash Chytka led Cozad with 14 points, Jacob Weatherly finished with 10 points and Nathan Engel scored nine. The Haymakers struggled converting free throws, going 13-25 overall.
Minden advances to the SWC semifinals Friday where they will play Ainsworth at 3:30pm at Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte. Cozad will play in a consolation game on Thursday in Gothenburg.
Listen to the game below.
