For the first time in the five years playing as Greene County, the Rams will win more boys’ varsity basketball games than they lose. Coach Chris Nelson’s team locked up a winning season with a 69-29 road victory in Des Moines over Saydel on Monday night in Heart of Iowa Activities Conference make up action heard on KG98 and streamed on www.raccoonvalleyradio.com. The winning season was the first since the 2010-11 campaign for a Jefferson-based program and the Rams improved to 12-6 overall and 11-3 in HOIAC action. Saydel fell to 0-19 overall and 0-15 in the conference.
Greene County led 16-0 before the Eagles got on the scoreboard. The Rams were up 19-5 after one quarter, 42-14 at the half, and 59-25 at the end of the third period. Early in the fourth, Greene County reserves put the margin over 35 points, which put the continuous clock rule into effect. The Rams were 24 of 53 shooting, including four of 17 on three-pointers, and they turned the ball over just eight times. Saydel was 11 of 35 from the field, but five of 15 on three-point shots, with 18 turnovers. Greene County was 17 of 30 shooting free throws while the Eagles were two of four from the charity stripe. The win away from Jefferson improves the Rams’ road record to 6-0 in the conference and 6-1 overall. All that remain on the schedule are road games.
Senior Trey Tucker had 26 points to lead all players in scoring. Sophomore Trey Hinote added 18, with junior Wade Adcock at 13. The Rams did not play their starters in the fourth quarter. Saydel had 10 points off the bench from senior Cole Riddlebarger.
Greene County plays in Gilbert tonight as part of a girl/boy doubleheader on KG98 and streamed on www.raccoonvalleyradio.com. The Tigers won the first meeting in overtime in Jefferson on Jan. 6.