No. 3 WACO wrangles Comets to stay undefeated

ELDON - The Cardinal boys didn't back down from their home game against No. 3 WACO on Tuesday night. The Comets kept the Warriors within 10 into the fourth quarter, but WACO slowly and steadily pulled away for their 14th win in 14 tries.

WACO's offense was on full display in the first quarter, putting up 20 points to give the Warriors a three-possession lead after the first eight minutes. WACO led 20-13 after one quarter, 32-24 at halftime and 48-38 after three quarters.

WACO burned Cardinal with four double-digit scorers. Gabe Reichenbach led the way, going 7-11 for a team-leading 18 points on the night. He also finished with three steals.

Pietro Vannini gave WACO 14 points off the bench. Drew Kissell scored 13 points, and both Vannini and Kissell finished with four assists.

Nik Coble finished the night one assist away from a triple-double. He had 11 points, 20 rebounds and nine helpers in the win. He also co-led the team with three steals. Elijah McGohan scored four points and Braden Hammond finished with three.

WACO's 14-0 record is tied for the top mark in the state of Iowa with West Sioux, a Class 2A school. WACO is one of just three undefeated teams in Class 1A.

WACO holds a dominant lead in the South Division. The Warriors are 10-0 in conference play with New London (7-3), West Burlington (7-3) and Notre Dame (6-3) three games behind them in the loss column. With six games left on the schedule, the Warriors need to win just half to lock up a share of the division title. Unless the wheels fall off over the next three weeks, WACO will represent the South Division in the conference championship in early February.

WACO's next game will be at home, on Friday, January 24, when they host South Division foe Central Lee.