By John Kemmeter

A day after finding out that senior forward Joey Hauser would be lost for the season following ankle surgery, the Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) boys basketball team pulled away in the final minute to beat Marshfield in its Wisconsin Valley Conference (WVC) opener Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) senior forward Andrew Erdman goes up for a layup to give the fourth-ranked Panthers a 68-64 lead with 1:49 to play in their 77-70 win over Marshfield at the SPASH Fieldhouse Tuesday, Dec. 12.
(John Kemmeter photo)

All-State senior guard Drew Blair poured in 40 points, including seven in the final minute, as the fourth-ranked Panthers (3-1) broke open a 68-67 game to win 77-70 at the SPASH Fieldhouse.

“Obviously it feels really good, the first game of conference, to kick it off with a win,” said Blair. “That’s the first goal as our team, to win the conference again, and then we go on from there.

“But losing Joey, we’re all coming together and we’re forming a new team again,” he said. “And we’re all taking on our new roles.”

To read the rest of the story, pick up a copy of the Portage County Gazette at one of the many newsstands in the area, including gas stations and grocery stores. Or subscribe at www.shopmmclocal.com/product/portage-county-gazette to have weekly copies delivered by mail.

For more information or to subscribe over the phone, call 715-343-8045.

Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) senior guard Drew Blair glides in for a layup during the second half of the fourth-ranked Panthers’ 77-70 win over Marshfield at the SPASH Fieldhouse Tuesday, Dec. 12.
(John Kemmeter photo)