The Patriots began their 2022-2023 season with a big victory, 61-29, over Region 1B opponent Langford Area. This is the first time in 12 seasons the Patriots have beaten the Lions. The Patriots used a balance attack on offense and an aggressive defense to complete the game. With having no practice in 5 days due to weather, the team took a little time getting back into the swing of things early on, being down 13-7 in the 1st quarter. But an 6-0 to end the 1st tied the game up. The Patriots never looked back, going on a 48-16 run to finish out the remaining quarters.
The Patriots were lead off the bench by Erik Salmen with 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal. TJ Salmen ended the game a double double, 10 points, 13 rebounds, 1 block. Jackson Maynard finished with 9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block. Riley Fliehe also had 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Carter Binger had 6 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Cole Schroeder also had 6 points and 5 rebounds.
The Patriots shot 27-74 from the floor and 5-13 from the FT line. These two things will need to improve and I expect they will after some more practice time. H-T outrebounded Langford 54-18. The Patriots finished the game with 7 assists, 9 steals, 5 blocks, and 9 turnovers.
The Patriots next game is at the Big Bo Classic vs Potter County in Wolsey on December 29th at 4:30pm.