Heights boys off to terrific start

Wisconsin Heights boys basketball coach Zack Colby was the first to admit his team had just as many questions as answers when the new season began. Not anymore. The Vanguards — who returned just one starter from a year ago — raced from the gates with a pair of impressive wins last week. Heights defeated visiting Platteville, 62-45, in its season-opener on Dec. 3. The Vanguards then traveled to Aquinas and posted an impressive 55-39 win last Friday. “I think defensively we’ve held up really well,” Colby said. “What we did is obviously really solid at the varsity level.”  In Heights’ win over the Hillmen, Cole Cribbs had 18 points to lead the Vanguards. De’Shawn Barsness added 13 points and Devin Brabender had 11. “Cole Cribss is kind of our ‘X’ factor,” Colby said. “When he goes, we go.” The Vanguards played primarily a 1-3-1 zone and made life miserable for Platteville. Heights raced to a 35-17 halftime lead and was in control throughout the second half. In the Vanguards’ win at Aquinas, Barsness was terrific with a game-high 24 points and 16 rebounds. Brabender added 14 points and Cribbs had nine. “Barsness is just going to find a way to make a play, and often times over two defenders,” Colby said. “He’s like our Giannis. You better wall him off or he’s going to hurt you.” Heights held a 22-16 halftime lead and gradually pulled away in the second half. Vanguards freshman Derek Adler defended Aquinas standout Quinn Miskowski throughout and held him to four points. “Derek’s just a gamer,” Colby said. “He’s fearless and pretty skilled with the ball. “You tell him to guard their best player and he says, ‘OK coach. I’ve got it.’ He’s the type of kid you want to coach.” • On deck: The Vanguards traveled to Lakeside Lutheran Tuesday, then host Dodgeville Friday at 7:30 p.m. and host Lodi on Monday at 7:30 p.m.     Dec. 3 Wisconsin Heights 62, Platteville 45 Platteville ...................... 17 28 — 45 Wisconsin Heights ........ 35 27 — 62 PLATTEVILLE — Martin 6 3-5 15, Stang 2 3-4 7, Busch 1 0-0 3, Shaffer 3 0-0 7, Noble 1 1-2 3, Digman 4 1-2 10. Totals 17 8-18 45. WISCONSIN HEIGHTS — Buol 1 2-2 4, Jacobus 1 3-5 5, Cribbs 7 3-5 18, Barsness 6 1-2 13, Adler 1 1-1 3, Herrling 3 0-0 8, Brabender 4 3-6 11. Totals 23 13-23 62. 3-point goals: P 3 (Busch 1, Shaffer 1, Digman 1); WH 3 (Cribbs 1, Herrling 2). Fouls: P 17; WH 19. Fouled out: Busch.   Dec. 6 Wisconsin Heights 55,  La Crosse Aquinas 39 Heights .......................... 22 33 — 55 Aquinas ........................ 16 23 — 39 WISCONSIN HEIGHTS — Jacobus 1 2-2 4, Cribbs 4 1-21 9, Barsness 10 4-7 24, Adler 1 0-0 2, Herrling 1 0-0 2, Brabender 6 0-0 14. Totals 21 7-12 55. LA CROSSE AQUINAS — Wetzel 5 2-2 12, Wilson 2 2-2 6, Miskowski 2 0-2 4, Flottmeyer 1 0-0 3, Reuteman 0 1-1 1, Savoldelli 4 0-2 11. Totals 15 5-7 39. 3-point goals: WH 2 (Brabender 2); LCA 1 (Flottmeyer 1). Fouled out: Wilson.