Cards get win in first round

WAUSA – The Randolph Cardinal boys basketball team opened up the postseason with a win in the D2-4 SubDistrict Tournament held Feb. 24 in Wausa.

The Cardinals turned back Winside, 76-49 as the Cards were on fire all night.

“It was a really fun win, a true team effort,” said Redbird Coach Cory Simpson. “Our lone senior, Dayton Winkelbauer, was motivated to not let the season end and played an excellent game on both ends of the floor - great leadership.”

The win over the Wildcats broke a five-game skid by Randolph and propelled them in the Subdistrict semifinals where they will face the top seed in the tournament, Wausa.

The Cards went up five out of the gate and extended the advantage to 40-28 at the halftime huddle.

Winside nibbled into the lead in the third frame, but the Cards outscored the Wildcats 23-7 in the final stanza to run away with the win.

Logan Lienemann had a fine night, pouring in 25 points in the contest. Lucas Bartles tossed in 16. Brecken Shearer added nine on three long balls and Adrian Samano chipped in with eight.

Earlier in the week, Randolph traveled to take on Boyd County Feb. 21 and came up on the short end of a 54-33 score.

“We started off hot and then just ran out of gas,” Simpson said. “Definitely a game we would like back.”

The Redbirds did get out early and ended the first eight minutes with a 16-10 lead, but the lead dwindled to just a basket by the intermission.

A 20-5 third quarter gave the momentum to Boyd County and a 14-6 final period ended the night.

Randolph was led by Lienemann and Ryan Engel who each registered 10 points. Lucas Harder added seven.

The winner of the Wausa/ Randolph game in the Subdistrict semifinals Feb. 25 will take on the winner of the other semi bracket, Wynot and Santee on Feb. 27 back in Wausa.

WIN (2-21) 13 15 14 7 - 49