By Chris Bennett
Correspondent
Uneven and inconsistent play by the Elkhorn Area High School boys basketball team led to two losses last week.
Elkhorn lost 63-60 in overtime Jan. 8 to Westosha Central at Paddock Lake in a Southern Lakes Conference game and lost 63-52 to Waukesha Catholic Memorial Jan. 5 in a non-conference game at home.
The Elks (3-8, 0-5 SLC) opened the week in search of their first conference victory. Elkhorn played arch rival Delavan-Darien (6-3, 4-1 SLC) Tuesday at Delavan in a SLC game. The Elks play Friday at Union Grove (2-6, 0-4 SLC) in a SLC game.
Coach Josh Skatrud said the Elks lost focus late against Westosha (6-4, 3-1 SLC). The Elks led 32-27 at halftime.
“We had control of the game but got tight with about five minutes left in the game and had some poor possessions,” Skatrud said. “To their credit, they knocked down some shots.”
Skatrud said the Elks “were out of gas” in the overtime period.
“I’m disappointed with the loss but feel we did show some improvement,” Skatrud said. “We need to get the mindset to win games when we have an opportunity.”
Alex Easterday led the Elks with 19 points. Shane Piasecki added 10.
Elkhorn led Memorial 27-25 at halftime despite problems holding on to the ball in the first half.
“We were very sloppy,” Skatrud said. “We had 12 turnovers in the first half and 19 for the game. Even in the first half, when we had the lead, I never felt we were playing well.”
Memorial, which plays in the hyper-competitive Waukesha County-based Classic 8 Conference against Arrowhead, Mukwonago, Kettle Moraine, Muskego and Waukesha North, South and Wesr, outscored the Elks 38-25 in the second half.
Easterday led the Elks with 19 points. Dayne Fisher added 13. Parker Carlsen scored a game-high 21 for the Crusaders.
Union Grove played Tuesday at Waterford (3-2 SLC). If both Elkhorn and Union Grove lost their games on Tuesday one team will get its first win in conference play this evening.
