By Chris Bennett
Correspondent
Here’s hoping the Elkhorn Area High School boys basketball team is prepared for tonight’s Southern Lakes Conference game at home against Union Grove.
If the Elks come out ready to play it might stand in contrast to their previous two efforts. Elkhorn lost 55-52 Jan. 30 in a SLC game at home against Westosha Central and 64-51 Jan. 27 in a SLC contest at Burlington.
“Both were really disappointing,” Elks coach Josh Skatrud said. “For whatever reason, we did not come ready to go on either night.”
Skatrud said the Elks (8-8, 2-7) practiced for three days before playing the Broncos (5-10, 2-7 SLC), and said he hoped the time would help the Elks regain their stroke.
“I think that everyone in the locker room was upset with the way both games went,” Skatrud said. “It’s especially frustrating because we were making some major strides. Hopefully, we can refocus, with having three days of practice before our next game.”
Against the Falcons (8-9, 3-6 SLC) the first half doomed the Elks. Westosha outscored the Elks 34-26 in the first half. Elkhorn outscored the Falcons 26-21 in the second half.
Skatrud said Elkhorn finished 1-for-15 on three-point field goals against the Falcons.
Elkhorn’s Alex Easterday led all scorers with 21 points. Joe Konopski scored 14. Westosha’s Ben Graveley scored 12, one of four Falcons in double figures.
Skatrud said the Elks struggled with ball pressure against Demons and played poorly on defense in the second quarter.
Elkhorn allowed Burlington 28 points in the second quarter, and trailed 36-21 at halftime. The two teams played to a 30-30 tie in the second half.
Easterday scored 20 points and led all scorers. Elkhorn’s Aaron Wales scored 15. Nick Klug led Burlington with 12 points.
The Elks defeated the Broncos 50-49 in overtime Dec. 19 at Union Grove for Elkhorn’s first SLC win of season, and the first of Skatrud’s career. Skatrud is in his first season as coach of the Elks.
Elkhorn plays at Waterford Feb. 10 in a SLC game.
