Black Hills and Mark Morris met head-to-head in the Wolves Den as the two teams with a long history with each other faced off in a regular-season battle. After coming in 6th place in the 2A classification last year in the state, Mark Morris is off to a slower start than they are typically accustomed to. Still, they are in a transition period following the loss of 10 seniors last year. Black Hills, on the other hand, is having a great start to the year, and even in their losses, has proven that they are a team that others have to watch out for. In the last five years, the Wolves have been 0-5 against Mark Morris, but this year was a different story.

First Half

Black Hills has a tremendous opening to the game with a layup just seconds into action. The Monarchs would respond with an opening three from Drew Ibaretta to take the early lead. Peyton Faught got the hot hand early, hitting a three-pointer for the Wolves, then followed up with a floater from Kona Bell to expand the lead. The defense for the Wolves started to force multiple turnovers, which were capitalized on with great passing and fast break plays.

Slowly, the Wolves started to get away with a big lead. AJ Fabian also got off to a great start to his night with a couple of mid-range jumpers and post scores, and for the majority of the night, he seemed to be the only one putting up points for the Monarchs. The three-point game for Mark Morris was cold to start the game, and with the pressure of Black Hills’ defense, scoring did not come easily. Fabian continued to light it up from the midrange as the first quarter came to a close. Black Hills led 27-11 going into the second quarter.

The Monarch defense made big adjustments in the second quarter and started to figure out the Wolves more and more in what would be a lower-scoring quarter for teams. Kona Bell continued to be a menace on defense and the fast break, leading to some tough finishes coupled with free throws after getting fouled. AJ Fabian expanded his game from the midrange to the three-point line and cashed in on a triple to keep him hot as the first half came to an end. Black Hills led 39-19 going into halftime.

Second Half

After being down 20 at halftime, Mark Morris turned things around in the second half and had the Wolves sweating the longer the game went on. Mark Morris went on a 10-0 scoring run to start the third quarter. The Monarchs came out with a burst of energy that culminated in forcing turnovers, running the fast break, and the three-ball started to become dangerous. Maddox Mobs had a great start to the half with a fast break layup, followed by a three-pointer that started a shooting rhythm for Mark Morris.

Drew Ibaretta caught fire as well and hit a three to cut the lead to only ten for the Wolves. James Morgan then started to take over the game for Black Hills and went on a scoring run himself as well as getting multiple assists. AJ Fabian did not let up, though, and kept racking up points to keep digging into the lead. Black Hills led 51-39 going into the fourth quarter.

James Morgan and AJ Fabian exchanged buckets to open the final quarter, which would be the tale of the rest of the game between the two teams. Drew Ibaretta also continued his great shooting night. Both teams exchanged blows back and forth, which kept Black Hills with a comfortable lead. Every time Mark Morris hit a clutch shot to get closer and closer, Black Hills would respond with a bucket of their own. Talon Morrill came through with what was effectively the dagger after a steal and fast break layup that put the game out of reach. The Wolves would win 72-59 against a team that has given them a lot of trouble in the past and move to 7-3 on the season.

MVP and Stats

The Thorbecks MVP of the game went to Peyton Faught, who finished with 20 points for the Wolves and multiple clutch scores and assists in the game. An all-around great game for Faught, who was the leading scorer for Black Hills. The Wolves had 5 players with double-digit scoring nights. Kona Bell with 10 points, Hames Morgan with 14, Talon Morrill with 1, and Quinton Morrill with 12. The Wolves played a great game of defense that held the high-scoring Monarchs at bay and also did a great job forcing turnovers and capitalizing on those opportunities. The offense looked great as well, with good passing and shooting from multiple different players in a true team effort.

Mark Morris’ AJ Fabian had 31 points in the game and looked unstoppable. From every level of scoring, he was unstoppable and led all players in the whole game with an outstanding offensive night. Drew Ibaretta finished with 17 points and five threes on the game to pair with Fabian.

ESN Post Game Show

Game Highlights

Quinton Morrill with the No Look Pass to Talon Morrill

Drew Ibaretta Cuts the Lead to Ten with the Three Pointer

Amazing Layup from Talon Morrill