NIOBRARA — It was over shortly after it started.
EPPJ’s boys earned their second victory of the season, a one-sided affair, as they defeated Niobrara-Verdigre 61 to 27.
A 21-point first quarter was all the Wolfpack needed to take a commanding lead and seal the Cougars’ fate Friday night.
The game had a bit of everything one looks for in a winning team. Balanced scoring, a ball-hawking defense and a bench that produced points with the starters off the floor.
“I knew if we could execute our press we could get turnovers and get out and run on them,” Coach Matt Euse said. “We came out and did what we were supposed to do.”
EPPJ jumped out to a 21 to three lead after one quarter as the Cougars failed to score with repeated trips down the floor. At the other end of the court, sophomore Jarek Erickson was having his way under the basket. Ball movement was key as the Wolfpack found the open man time and time again. Erickson made five of six two-point attempts in the game along with two of four treys to finish with a game-high 17 points.
