Bearcats defeat Chargers, Knights, Gators

By Editor | January 29, 2025 |

Ty Vig makes 1,000th career point in game against B/G-MR Gators

By Coach Trent Jerome
KCC 61 – G/G 51
The Bearcats boys began their busy week with a thrilling home game against the Goodridge/ Grygla Chargers in Lancaster on Monday, Jan. 6. Senior Ty Vig electrified the crowd with a two-hand dunk to open the game, but the Chargers quickly answered and set the tone for a competitive first half. G/G’s pressure defense and efficient shot-making helped them build a 39-22 lead by halftime, leaving KCC searching for answers.
Coming out of the locker room, the Bearcats switched to a stifling zone defense that completely disrupted the Chargers’ offensive rhythm. On the other end, Vig and junior Kellen Johnson took over, sparking a relentless comeback. Possession by possession, the Bearcats chipped away at the deficit. KCC held the Chargers scoreless until the 7:40 mark in the second half. After KCC took the lead they did not look back. A clutch corner three by junior Brock Scalese, and a one-handed dunk from Vig sealed the 61-51 victory.
Scoring: Ty Vig 28, Kellen Johnson 15, Brock Scalese 8, Eli Peterson 6, Brody Scalese 2.
KCC 64 – C/F 40
The Bearcats traveled to Fisher for a matchup with the Climax/Fisher Knights on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Building on their defensive adjustments from the Goodridge/Grygla game, KCC leaned on their zone defense to open the game. The Knights managed to keep it close for the first few minutes, but KCC’s defense locked in, holding C/F scoreless for over seven minutes.
With turnovers fueling their offense, the Bearcats surged ahead, led by Vig’s strong inside play and perimeter contributions from the Scalese brothers and guard Eli Peterson. KCC took a commanding 43-21 lead into halftime.
The second half saw more of the same, with KCC extending their lead while holding the Knights at bay. A mix of starters and reserves continued to execute, leading to a 64-40 victory.
Scoring: Ty Vig 22, Kellen Johnson 17, Brock Scalese 9, Eli Peterson 7, Brody Scalese 6, James Cerkowniak 3.
KCC 70 – B/G-MR 34
The Bearcats wrapped up their week on the road in Greenbush, facing the B/G-MR Gators on Friday, Jan. 10. The game carried extra significance as senior Ty Vig entered the matchup just 4 points shy of 1,000 career points. While the milestone was on everyone’s mind, the Bearcats got off to a slow start, trading baskets with the Gators through the early minutes.
Vig hit the milestone with a strong drive through multiple defenders, sparking an emotional celebration and igniting KCC’s energy. The Bearcats’ defense stepped up, forcing turnovers and holding the Gators to just 11 first-half points. KCC entered halftime with a commanding 34-11 lead.
In the second half, the Bearcats continued their defensive dominance while spreading the scoring opportunities. Highlights included two three-pointers from eighth grader Evan Schwenzfeier, as KCC’s reserves kept the pressure on. The Bearcats finished the game with a 70-34 victory.
Scoring: Ty Vig 25, Kellen Johnson 19, Brody Scalese 8, Eli Peterson 7, Evan Schwenzfeier 6, Brock Scalese 5.
This week, the Bearcats hosted Northern Freeze on Tuesday, Jan. 14, followed by a Thursday, Jan. 16 matchup against Win-E-Mac, both in Lancaster. On Friday, Jan. 17, KCC will face Roseau at home in Hallock.

BEARCATS #12 TY VIG, center, reached 1,000 career points at the game against B/G-MR Gators on Friday, Jan. 10 in Greenbush. He is pictured with his team and coaches, kneeling: Karsynn Peterson, James Cerkowniak, Brooks Nordin, Evan Schwenzfeier; back row, l-r, 7th/8th coach Kyle Spenst, Head Coach Trent Jerome, Kaden Seurer, Brock Scalese, Eli Peterson, Ty Vig, Brody Scalese, Trapper Jensen, Kellen Johnson, Ashton Knutson, Assistant Coach Tom Vig. (Submitted photo)