The Merrill Varsity Boys Basketball Team played the SPASH Boys in a home game on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. It was an exciting game, with a fast-pace, and at halftime, the Merrill Bluejays were up 26-24, but in the end, Stevens Point took the win 63-52.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the guys’ effort tonight,” said Merrill Boys Basketball Head Coach Troy Pieper. “We showed that we can play with the best in our conference. Now I want the guys to take this and realize if we execute a little better here and there in both halves, we can not only compete with the best, but we can beat the best.”
“We talked about setting the tone from the start, not only physically showing SPASH that we weren’t backing down, but with our energy and effort on defense, and we did just that, jumping out to a 9-2 lead, and taking a lead into the half,” he said.
“The second half we just had a few too many live ball turnovers that allowed them to get run outs, and not have to score in the half court,” he said. “When they had to try and score against us when our defense was set in the half court, they struggled. That is a very talented team with a lot of size. When they got a lead, we had to come out of our game plan a little bit and extend our defense, which opened up things down low for their big guy, but the guys didn’t give up. We showed a lot tonight.”
“Tyson Ott led us in scoring with 11,” Pieper said. “We had three guys score in double figures, but I really liked what I saw from Tyson. He was more aggressive tonight, which I’ve been talking to him about. While he is only a Sophomore, he’s one of our more skilled offensive players, and when we are good, he is playing free and aggressive, and I thought he showed that tonight.”
“We’ve been playing pretty good lately and tonight was another positive showing,” he said. “Playing against some of the best Division 1 teams in our conference is tough, but it makes us playoff ready, and playing the best can only make you better and more hungry.”
High scorers for the Bluejays were Tyson Ott (11 pts, 4 FG, 2 3pt, 1 FT, 1 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl), Aidan Houghton (10 pts, 3 FG, 2 3pt, 2 FT, 3 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl), and Kory Page (10 pts, 3 FG, 2 3pt, 2 FT, 9 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl).
Box score
SPASH 63 @ Merrill 52
In a second consecutive home game, the Merrill Boys played Wisconsin Rapids on Thursday, Jan. 9, but this time they took the win.
“Tonight was a grind,” Pieper said. “We came out and won the first four minutes like we always talk about. Like Tuesday, we wanted to set the tone early and we did that. We got up 19-2 to start the game. It felt like we were well on our way for a comfortable win, but I give credit to Rapids for not giving up and for chipping away and taking care of the ball and locking down on defense.” At halftime, Merrill was up 27-22.
“The second half was much of the same,” he said. “We got out to a nice 12-point lead and again, it felt like now we are ready to pull away and cruise, but again I give credit to Rapids, as they fought back and even took a 1-point lead at one point down the stretch. But the guys didn’t flinch and continued to grind and fight and found a way to get a much-needed conference win.”
“The Wisconsin Valley Conference is a very difficult conference and a deep conference this year,” Pieper said. “Each night it’s going to be a battle. You have to show up ready for a physical battle each night. No game will be easy, and tonight just proved that.”
“After last year not winning a game in conference, it felt like it’s been forever, so we needed to end that streak—which was 16 straight losses in conference play. Our last win came against Rapids on Valentines Day 2023, so no matter how hard we made it or how much of a grind it was, we won’t apologize for any conference win.”
“It was another night with three guys scoring in double figures, and Tyson Ott (14 pts, 6 FG 2 FT, 2 reb, 1 ast, 4 stl) picked up where he left off against SPASH and was aggressive and led the way for us. He’s starting to find his groove, and we are a better team when he’s playing the way he did this week.”
“Jacob Schmeltzer (12 pts, 4 FG, 4 3pt, 2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl) really shot it well tonight from beyond the arc,” Pieper said. “When his shot is on, it frees a lot up for the other guys. Tonight him hitting four three’s for us was huge.”
“EJ Weix (11 pts, 5 FG, 1 FT, 5 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl) was the other guy in double figures,” he said. “He was very efficient. He was under control all night and a lot of times drew double teams when he drove or caught inside and did a great job finding the open guy. He played an all-around great game on both ends of the floor.”
“It was a great week for the program,” Pieper said. “We got better and really competed. We’ve been playing very well lately, as we’ve won five out of seven after an early-season three-game losing streak. I like the direction we are heading.”
Box score
Wisconsin Rapids 49 @ Merrill 54
On Friday, Jan. 17, the Merrill Boys will play the Marshfield Boys with the home court advantage, and they’re getting ready. “They are a favorite to go to State this year, so we’ll have a great challenge Friday,” Pieper said. “And then we turn around on Saturday and host Antigo for Hall of Fame Night, which is always a special night. It’s a busy week, but I’m sure the guys will be ready for the challenge.”
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