By Sam Brauen www.blufftonpirates.com
Three Pirates combined for 63 points in a 75-67 road triumph over Paulding Friday evening.  Luke Denecker scored 22, Mason Soper added 21 and Jared Piercefield had 20 as the trio led BHS to victory.  The Pirates improved to 6-0 overall and 2-0 in Northwest Conference play.  

Keys to the Game

Denecker scored 8 first quarter points as Bluffton quickly grabbed an 18-12 lead after one quarter.  Luke hit two shots from downtown in the first quarter alone. 

Piercefield took over in the second quarter scoring 9 points including a 4/4 effort from the free throw line.  Bluffton extended the lead to 35-25 at the half.

True to form, Soper knocked down 10 third quarter points as the Pirates built the lead to 12 going into the final quarter.  Soper knocked down two 3s in the third. 

The fourth quarter was a free throw bonanza as Bluffton connected on 11/12 from the stripe to maintain the edge.  For the game, Bluffton hit 19/21 from the charity stripe.  Paulding was a perfect 12/12 from the line. 

Individual Pirate Statistics
Luke Denecker - 22 points, three 3s

Mason Soper - 21 points, three 3s

Jared Piercefield - 20 points, two 3s, 10/10 from the free throw line

Levi Hohenbrink - 9 points, three 3s

Baylor Garmatter - 3 points, one 3

What’s Next
Bluffton will host Cory-Rawson in the second game of the McDonald's Holiday Tournament Friday evening in Pirate Gymnasium.