By Sam Brauen www.blufftonpirates.com
Bluffton poured in 30 first quarter points to quickly erase any ideas of a big win hangover following Friday’s epic win over Crestview. The Pirates kept their foot on the gas and raced to an 87-42 win over Vanlue to move to 5-0 on the season. Juniors Luke Denecker (22) and Mason Soper (20) led Bluffton in scoring and equaled the total Vanlue output. Jared Piercefield added 12 points for a third Pirate in double figures.
Keys to the Game
Soper was the early spark, getting to the rim often. The 6’3 sharpshooter scored 11 first quarter points. The Pirates caused 8 first quarter turnovers and leaked out for layups time and time again. BHS extended the lead to 49-27 at the half.
Denecker got white hot in the third, connecting on three shots from downtown. Luke finished with six 3s, the school record in a game is 8 held by Michael Kingsley.
All starters sat out the fourth quarter. The Pirates remained entertaining down the stretch getting good minutes and point production from Tyson Shutler (2), Jonathan Shriner (5), Eli Lemley (2), Andrew Lovett (2) and Nic Essinger (4).
The Pirates drained a season high 11 three pointers, all in the first three quarters. In addition to Denecker’s 6, Soper added 2, Levi Hohenbrink nailed 2 and Jared Piercefield 1. All Pirates scored in tonight’s game.
Vanlue (1-5) was led in scoring by Joey Bonham with 20 points.
Individual Pirate Statistics
Luke Denecker - 22 points, 6 threes, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
Mason Soper - 20 points, 2 threes, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks
Jared Piercefield - 12 points, 1 three, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
Mickey Ault - 6 points, rebound, 1 assist
Baylor Garmatter - 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
Levi Hohenbrink - 6 points, 2 threes, 1 rebound
Jonathan Schriner - 5 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist
Nic Essinger - 4 points, 1 rebound
Tyson Shutler - 2 points, 2 rebounds
Andrew Lovett - 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Eli Lemley - 2 points, 1 rebound
What’s Next
Bluffton travels to Paulding Friday night. The Panthers are 2-4 and coming off a 68-60 win over Miller City.
