Spectators jammed into the practice gym in Gowrie on Thursday, December 19th, and witnessed an exciting, festive contest between two solid JV Boys' basketball teams in the Southeast Valley Jaguars and Emmetsburg E-Hawks. Great teamwork and individual hustle plays helped solidify a great game entering the holiday break. The Jaguars prevailed by the score of 58-43, improving to 5-0 on the season. The game was full of momentum swings, with great plays being made all over the court.  

The first half was a high-scoring, high energy half, with both teams successfully knocking down a bombardment of three point baskets. SV started the half 6 for 9 from deep; and before the half concluded, Emmetsburg also had a share of successfully made 3pt FG's. At the half time break, SV held a 40-33 advantage. 

 After some adjustments on the defensive end of the floor, SV focused on playing solid man-to-man defense, proper closeouts, and weak side help. In the second half, the Jaguars held the E-Hawks to just 10 points scored and capped off an exciting game entering the break.  

Cornell Lowery paced the Jaguars with 16 points and 6 rebounds, working hard in the post. Karson Roper played a nearly perfect game at the Point, shooting 5-5 (2-2 from deep) for 12 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals and just one turnover as the primary ball handler. Bryce Harrison added 7 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals in the win. Hayden Butrick chipped in with 6 points and was 2-3 from beyond the three point arc. Nick Field finished with 5 points and 6 rebounds on the night. Lincoln Akins also added 5 points with 2 assists and 2 steals in all the excitement. Ethan Tucker made another three point basket for 3 points and 2 rebounds. Ian Brunner and Spencer Peterson rounded out the Jaguar scoring with 2 points each.  

The JV team is back in action on Monday, January 6th as they will host East Sac County to open up the new year.