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Boys Basketball: Nick Bollenbacher scores 38, breaks Hanover career scoring record
Updated: January 6, 2012 11:37PM
VALPARAISO — After a tough win against Griffith, Hanover Central came to Boone Grove a little fatigued, and it showed some in the first half. But Nick Bollenbacher took charge and led the Wildcats to a solid second half to earn a 62-50 win over the Wolves.
The win was important to Bollenbacher, but what came along with it made it even more special. Bollenbacher led all scorers with 38 points, which gave him the school career scoring record.
The record was set in 1986 at 1,241 points, and stood until Bollenbacher’s spectacular performance.
“The win was most important to me, but achieving the career scoring record lets me know I have left my mark at the school, a mark that I am certain will be chased by future players — I just hope it lasts for a little while,” Bollenbacher said.
Boone Grove (3-4, 2-1 PCC) took the lead early and maintained it through the first half, taking a 26-23 advantage into the locker room. Boone Grove controlled Hanover Central on defense — everybody but Bollenbacher, who had 18 of his 38 in the first half. Bollenbacher was spectacular, shooting 13-of-19 from the field and 9-of-11 from the free-throw line.
Hanover Central (6-4, 3-1) came out in the third quarter with a solid defense that, coupled with the performance of Bollenbacher, was too much for Boone Grove to withstand. The Wildcats took the lead with five minutes remaining in the third quarter and never looked back as they coasted to the conference victory.
“It was a tale of two halves,” said coach Rod Bollenbacher. “We had a tough game against Griffith and knew the kids were a little tired and a step off of making their moves, but they overcame their fatigue.”
As for his son breaking the record, as a father and not a coach, you could see the pride through the smile on his face.
Hanover Central also got a solid performance by Max Johnson, who followed Bollenbacher with 17 points in the win.
Boone Grove was led in scoring by Jake Clapp (12 points) and Jon Hogg (11 points).
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