---

Wauzeka-Steuben's boys basketball team had 11 wins in the book when they faced Highland in a non-conference game Thursday.
When the game was over they still had 11 wins as the Cardinals put things together to knock off the Hornets 71-68. The margin could have been greater if the Cardinals would have made more free throws than eight for 19.
"Some of them were the front end of bonuses," said Highland coach Shaun Reuter. "We will be working on that in practice."
But the low percentage of made free throws did not dim the progress the Cardinals made in playing a complete game against the highly rated Hornets. After trailing 41-36 at halftime the Cardinals went on a 35-27 run to win both the second half and the game.
Michael Esser put in 25 points for Highland to lead them in scoring.
"He had a really good night," said Reuter. "He was good both inside and out."
John Dreischmeier added 14.
"He made three big three pointers the first half to keep us in it," Reuter said.
Sam Talo had his best scoring night of the season and completed the double digit tri-fecta by starters with 10.
"He had his biggest scoring night so far," Reuter said. "He and Ethan Lee have been putting in the reps in practice working on post moves. Sam has really been working hard and it is paying off."
Bennett Smith came off the bench to contribute 10. He had a trio of three pointers.
"His points came at important times and it was good to see that," said Reuter.
Colton Frost and Dreischmeier were charged with trying to stop the leading scorer for the Hornets, Seth Benders.
"They did pretty well even though he did score 26," Reuter said. "Fourteen of his points came on free throws. He is the real deal and one of the top players around."
Cayden Loomis had 13 for the Hornets and Cooper Loomis 10.
"I am happy for the boys," Reuter said. "Wauzeka-Steuben is a very good team so it was a quality win."
SCORE BY HALVES
Highland 36 35 71
W/S. 41 27 68
BOX SCORE
HIGHLAND 71: (fg-ft-tp) Esser 9-4-25, Smith 3-1-10, Frost 0-0-0, Dreischmeier 5-1-14, Krasinger 4-1-9, Talo 5-1-11, Lee 1-0-2. Totals 27-8/19-71 Fouls-19
WAUZEKA-STEUBEN 68: Cooley 3-1-7, Carson Redman 0-0-0, Manning 2-0-4, Cohen Red man 3-2-8, Cooper Lomas 4-2-10, Bendewr 6-14-26, Cayden Lomas 4-2-13 Totals 22-21/26-68. Fouls-17
3 point goals:
H-Dreischmeier 3, Esser 3, Smith 3
W/S-Lomas 3