BATTLE CREEK, NE — The Wayne Blue Devils nearly led the entire game and held off the Battle Creek Braves 50-44 to win the season-opener on Friday night.
Wayne’s smothering defense helped the Blue Devils to a 16-6 lead after the first quarter. They held off several rallies from Battle Creek and never let the Braves get closer than four points.
Kallan Herman hit four three-pointers, the only threes made by Wayne. Payton Frederick made the only three for the Braves.
Battle Creek head coach Matt Rudloff took the loss in his Braves’ coaching debut.
Wayne: Herman 13, Sweetland 4, Rogers 4, Fertig 8, Eischeid 8, Gilliland 6, Reynolds 2, Lutt 1, Deboer 1
Battle Creek: Stueve 16, Frederick 6, Mettler 4, Bode 2, Kraft 7, Mink 5, Oeltmanns 4
