Versailles boys basketball team gets back on winning track with win vs. Anna

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VERSAILLES – The nightcap of Wednesday night’s action saw the Versailles Tigers and Anna Rockets boys varsity basketball teams square off against each other.

Versailles was looking to build another winning streak after suffering a 79-70 loss to Dunbar, and Anna had won three consecutive games. The Tigers seized control early and defeated the Rockets 69-46.

The game opened well for Versailles offensively as all five starters scored a basket in their first 12 points. Defensively, Anna dropped in three long treys to make the score 12-9 and cause Tigers coach Travis Swank to use a timeout.

“It looked like Dunbar all over again,” Swank said. “We’ve got to close out shooters better with a hot hand … we’ve got to do a better job at the defensive end. Think after that they didn’t get a good look at a 3.”

After the timeout Versailles went on a 14-3 surge to close out the period, punctuated by a Connor Custenborder triple, to extend its lead to 26-12 after the first period.

The Tigers added 21 more to the total in the second quarter while holding the Rockets to only 11. Versailles was using its motion offense along with transition opportunities. When the Anna defense would look to help inside it created openings for the Tiger long-range shooters. Versailles took a 47-23 advantage into the locker room.

The Tigers were never threatened in the second half. Anna did outscore Versailles in the second half 23-22.

“Anna is a good team playing well lately,” Coach Swank said. “Knew if we didn’t execute would have problems with them.”

Swank highlighted two of his players on the evening.

“Connor Custenborder played tremendous,” Swank said. “He worked hard to fine tune his game this summer. AJ Ahrens is a kid you love to have on your team … plays with great heart and effort.

“It’s coming along,” Swank said on his team’s progress. “Still work in progress, a lot of things still to fine tune.”

Justin Ahrens led Versailles with 25 points. AJ Ahrens had 13 with Alex Wendel and Custenborder adding 10 each. Wyatt Bensman led Anna with 21.

The Tigers are now 7-1 on the season and will take on Miami East Friday.

Versailles’ Kyle Jones puts up a shot during a boys basketball game against Anna on Wednesday in Versailles.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_Kyle-Jones-WEB.jpgVersailles’ Kyle Jones puts up a shot during a boys basketball game against Anna on Wednesday in Versailles. Tim Alley|For The Daily Advocate

By Tim Alley

For The Daily Advocate

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