Vanguards hold off Barneveld

The ball hung in the air for what felt like forever. And Wisconsin Heights boys basketball coach Zack Colby and the Vanguards held their collective breath. Heights led host Barneveld, 62-61, in the final seconds last Thursday. And the Eagles got a terrific look at a potential game-winning shot. Fortunately for the Vanguards, the shot rimmed out and Heights escaped with a thrilling one-point win. “We had some missed opportunities late that allowed them back in the game, and I give Barneveld a lot of credit for cutting the lead down at the end like they did,” Colby said. “They executed some nice sets late, we missed a few free throws and the next thing you know they have a good look at the buzzer to beat us.” De’Shawn Barsness was terrific for Heights, finishing with a game-high 26 points and eight rebounds. The Vanguards improved to 4-4, while Barneveld slipped to 3-7. “DeShawn did play well … and we needed each one of those 26,” Colby said. “He’s simply a nightmare match-up 1-on-1 for teams.   “Teams are realizing this, though, and I expect our conference opponents to do everything they can to limit his production. Other guys are going to have to step up big time if we’re going to find consistent success this season.” Heights definitely had others step up against Barneveld. Cole Cribbs added six points and 10 rebounds, while Devin Brabender had six points and eight rebounds. Rhead Jacobus and Derek Adler both had seven points, as well.   “It was nice to see some production from other guys, but this production needs to continue to increase if we’re going to be competitive in conference games moving forward,” Colby said. Barneveld led throughout the first half and took a 37-30 lead to the locker room. “I give them a lot of credit for coming out with energy and taking it to us early,” Colby said of the Eagles. “We trailed pretty much the entire first half. “We have been struggling the past few games with foul trouble. We do not have consistent depth yet to overcome foul trouble, so I give my bench a lot of credit for holding the game close in the first half despite having four of our five starters foul trouble.” Heights got rolling in the second half, though, and surged to a 10-point lead. The Eagles chipped away down the stretch and had a chance to win in the final seconds. But Heights dodged a bullet and went home happy. “We need to keep improving,” Colby said. “The boys are working hard. We’re hoping for a strong January.” • On deck: Heights hosts New Glarus in an early-season, Capitol Conference showdown Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The Vanguards then host Palmyra-Eagle Saturday at 2:30 p.m.     Jan. 9 Wisconsin Heights 62, Barneveld 61 Heights ….............. 30 32 — 62 Barneveld ………. 37 24 — 61 WISCONSIN HEIGHTS (fg ft-fta pts) — Jacobus 1 4-4 7, Parman 1 0-0 3, Cribbs 2 2-2 6, Holcomb 0 1-2 1, Barsness 11 4-8 26, Adler 1 4-5 7, J. Brabender 1 0-0 2, D. Brabender 2 2-2 6, Hosking 2 0-1 4. Totals 21 17-30 62. BARNEVELD — Archie 3 3-4 11, Baumgarten 0 2-6 2, Barsness 1 0-0 2, Thompson 1 2-2 4, Se. Sullivan 9 6-13 27, Ignatius 1 2-2 4, Sp. Sullivan 2 6-11 11. Totals 17 21-42 61. 3-point goals: WH 3 (Jacobus 1, Parman 1, Adler 1); B 6 (Archie 2, Se. Sullivan 3, Sp. Sullivan 1). Total fouls: WH 30; B 23.