Kobe Scores Career High for J-W-P in Win Over BA

Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton senior Kobe Weimert wearing jersey #24 scored a career high 33 points tonight in a 71-61 victory over Faribault Bethlehem Academy.  Bulldogs Head Coach Nick James told KDHL following the game it was not the first time the senior scored 30 or more points. It was a career best, a day after the legendary NBA star Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash.  Both Kobe numbers worn with the Lakers #24 and #8 were retired by the team.

Weimert had 18 points at halftime while connecting on three of J-W-P's 9 first half long range connections.  The 5'10 guard added two threes in the second half and finished the game with 8 of 10 makes at the free throw line.

The Bulldogs finished the game with 12 three point baskets.  The Cardinals tallied 8 three pointers.  There were five lead changes in the first half before Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton finished the final couple minutes on a 5-0 run thanks to BA turnovers.

The Bulldogs led 38-33 at the half.  J-W-P punched the lead up to double digits but Bethlehem Academy whittled it down to a 7 point game with 4:02 to go.  The Cardinals had the ball at that point and in my opinion took a three point shot too soon in the possession.

J-W-P showed good patience and hit their free throws when the Cardinals had to foul in hopes of getting the ball back.

The statistic of the game was turnovers which have been the problem for BA.  They had 21 turnovers that resulted in 18 Bulldogs points.  Meanwhile Janesville-Waldorf Pemberton finished with 11 turnovers.  The Cardinals scored 7 points off those for a 11 point difference in the Bulldogs 10 point win.

J-W-P was 15 of 19 from the free throw line.  Bethlehem Academy finished 9 of 12.  In addition to Weimert's 33 points, classmates Cole Gunderson and Ben Schrom added 15 and 10 points respectively.

The Cardinals were led by junior JJ Malecha's 15 points.  sophomore Justin Simones and junior Kade Robb added 14 points each.

Our Malecha's Auto Body assist of the game was a sweet bounce pass to Simones from senior Jack Jandro in the first half.

The Faribault State Farm Insurance agents Faribault Players of the Game were Malecha, Simones and junior Bo Dienst.

Bethlehem Academy will be back at Van Orsow Auditorium Tuesday night when they host United South Central.  The Cardinals fell to 1-15.  J-W-P is 7-10.