Basketball Recap: Axtell Takes a Loss

Axtell was the 53-38 winner over Kenesaw when they last played one another back in December of 2023, but their luck changed this time around. The Axtell Wildcats opened the new year with a less-than-successful 65-52 loss to the Kenesaw Blue Devils. The Wildcats have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

When it comes to explaining why Axtell lost on Friday, don't look at Jacob Halvorsen. Despite the final result, he posted 20 points in addition to five rebounds and four steals. Halvorsen is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last eight games he's played. Another player making a difference was Brandt Modlin, who put up ten points.

Leading Kenesaw to victory were Adam Denkert and Jravin Suck. Denkert almost dropped a double-double on 15 points and nine rebounds, while Suck almost dropped a double-double on 15 points and nine rebounds. The dominant performance also gave Denkert a new career-high in steals (five). Maddox Wagoner was another key player, putting up 11 points.

Axtell's defeat dropped their record down to 4-6. As for Kenesaw, they pushed their record up to 6-3 with the win, which was their sixth straight at home dating back to last season.

Axtell will take on Sumner-Eddyville-Miller at 7:30 p.m. on January 10th. As for Kenesaw, they will challenge Wilcox-Hildreth on Friday.