Basketball Recap: Marek Barton's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Wheeler over New Prairie

While it was all tied up 24-24 at halftime, Wheeler was not quite New Prairie's equal in the second half on Tuesday. They came up short against the New Prairie Cougars, falling 54-34. The Bearcats have struggled against the Cougars recently, as the game was their ninth consecutive lost matchup.

Wheeler's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Marek Barton, who posted five points. The team also got some help courtesy of Tyne Vettickal, who put up seven points.

Brody Wiginton continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines for New Prairie, dropping a double-double with 23 points and 11 boards. Wiginton continues to improve, besting his previous point total in each of the last four games he's played. Jaydon Clemons was another key player, going 5-for-8 to rack up 10 points and seven rebounds.

Wheeler now has a losing record of 9-10. As for New Prairie, their win ended a six-game drought on the road and puts them at 4-16.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Wheeler will host Knox at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for New Prairie, they will be playing at home against South Bend St. Joseph at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. South Bend St. Joseph has been dominant on offense recently, having racked up an incredible 208 points over their last three matchups.