It was a week of ups and downs as the Ventura boys basketball team hit the road for three games.
Don’t even try it!
This shot is going no where thanks to tight defensive pressure by Jeremiah Hagen.  Ready to lend a hand is Aaron Chrisitians (53).  -Reporter photo by Michelle Watson

TRV 71, Ventura 63
Twin River Valley brought their best game on Monday, Jan. 7, and that was enough to beat Ventura, 71-63.
“I have said it before, but teams are going to play their best against us because they see us as the top in the conference,” said Ventura Coach Nick Schauf.
Two TRV players scored in the 20’s, which is something Ventura rarely allows. The Thunder also shot close to 66 percent, which Schauf noted is very good.
“Our post defense was not what it should have been, because we let them catch the ball in the lane too easily,” said Schauf.
The game was a battle from the beginning, with each team scoring 18 points in the first quarter. TRV got a slight jump in the second quarter with a 42-36 halftime lead. The third and fourth quarters were also close, but Ventura could never close the gap.
The TRV defense was able to hold Ventura’s post player, Tyler Betz, to only five points, something no other team has done this season.
Cody Kadolph picked up the slack and collected 27 points, including a game high six baskets from the three-point line. Tyler Peterson was also hot from the arc, dumping in three for nine points on his way to a game total of 16 points. Rounding out the scoring was Josh Henely with eight, Brian Mostrom had three and Jeremiah Hagen and Aaron Christians each had two points.
Team leaders on defense included Betz with eight rebounds, two blocked shots and three steals. Kadolph had five rebounds and four steals. Henely had four rebounds, while Scott Watson collected two rebounds and one steal.
Peterson and Betz led the team in assists with five and four respectively.
“As we go on the road a lot in the second half of the season, we have to find ways to win,” said Schauf.

Ventura 73, W-CL-T 65
The Vikings had a better night in Crystal Lake on Tuesday, Jan. 8, when they topped Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka in a Cornbelt Conference showdown.
“We were able to get it inside and our guys did a great job of attacking the zone, which was key to the win,” said Coach Nick Schauf.
The Vikings came out ready to play and scored 17 points to the Tigers’ eight. W-CL-T picked it up in the second quarter and outscored Ventura, 15-13. In the second half Ventura was always able to keep the lead, heir way to a 64-7 victory. but the Tigers did close the gap a couple of times.
“W-CL-T played a great game and they shot very well,” said Schauf.
Ventura had four players score in double figures for the night. Tyler Betz was back in his groove, collecting 26 points. Josh Henely also had a great game with 14 points. Tyler Peterson and Cody Kadolph contributed 12 and 11 points respectively.
“It was nice to see four guys in double figures, which we haven’t had since break. We need to keep having three or four guys do that so if someone is having an off night, a teammate will be there to step it up,” said Schauf.
Brian Mostrom and Jeremiah Hagen finished the scoring with five points apiece.
Betz led the team under the boards with 11 rebounds. Kadolph and Henely each collected five, while Peterson and Aaron Christians had three apiece. Scott Watson grabbed two boards, while Hagen and Brandon Harthan each had one.
Kadolph led the team in steals with two and also in assists with eight.

Ventura 58, G-T 36
A very dominate fourth quarter rally led to a Viking victory on Friday, Jan. 11, when the team traveled to Graettinger to face Graettinger-Terril in a Cornbelt Conference game.
Ventura jumped to an early 24-16 halftime lead. The third quarter was closer, with Ventura adding to their lead by three points. It was the fourth quarter that the Vikings started to roll and held the Knights to five points, while they scored 16 for the final 58-36.
“I thought we played really well and I feel confident that we are taking advantage of our poor shooting by getting the ball inside and working on getting really good looks,” said Coach Nick Schauf. “Everyone was really patient on offense and eventually we wore them down.”
The Knights only played five players for the entire game. The Vikings, who have a strong bench, were able to substitute and play rested players, which was key to the fourth quarter run.
“Anytime we go on the road it will be a tough win, but we fought hard and broke it open in the fourth quarter,” said Schauf. “I was also pleased with our toughness on the boards.”
Leading the scoring was Tyler Betz and Cody Kadolph with 20 and 17 points respectively. Tyler Peterson added seven points. Jeremiah Hagen, Josh Henely and Aaron Christians all added four points and Brian Mostrom had two.
Betz and Kadolph led the team under the boards also with 10 and seven rebounds. Other rebound leaders included Scott Watson and Hagen with four boards apiece. Henely grabbed three.
Peterson and Kadolph had three steals apiece. They also led the team in assists with Kadolph dishing out five and Peterson three.
The Vikings, who are 11-3, play at home on Friday night, Jan. 18. They face a tough Ruthven-Ahyrshire team.