To have a chance to win the GAC Central this season, Washington needs to take care of business in games such as last Friday’s home contest against Holt.
It wasn’t easy, or pretty, but the Blue Jays prevailed over the Indians, 39-36.
Washington (11-4, 2-0) will play home-and-home games against each of its GAC Central foes this season.
“Our conference, from top to bottom, is very competitive. There are no nights off,” said Washington Head Coach Chip Sodemann. “You have to take care of business at home and try to find a way to steal a couple on the road.”
The game was close, defensive-minded and low scoring all the way.
Holt (3-9, 0-1) held leads of 9-8 after one quarter, 16-15 at halftime and 27-26 after three quarters.
The Blue Jays outscored the Indians in the fourth period, 13-8.
“They did a good job on us defensively. They had some size. Their big bodies bothered us a little,” Sodemann said. “I told the guys after the game that I sound like a broken record, but we found a way to win the game down the stretch.”
Ronnie Suggs led Washington in the scoring column with 19 points.
“Ronnie played well. He hit some big shots down the stretch to put us ahead,” Sodemann said. “We were struggling offensively at the time, so his shots were big for us.”
Luke Schroepfer finished the game with 10 points.
Jared Walde scored six points. Brad Carpenter and Austin Subke both had two points.
Luke Hasenjaeger, Jacob Mulkey and Cory Epperson also played.
Justin Davis, a 5-11 junior guard, led Holt with 18 points. Brett Smith added eight points.
