Metro Sports Report

A golden moment for '62 Regis champs

When the Regis Fight Song was played Saturday night at halftime of the Xavier boys basketball game, it was as if time stopped 50 years ago.

There at mid-court in sport coat and tie was Coach Bob Jennings, now 84, pumping both fists for the crowd just like he did when his high school basketball team won the 1962 state championship.

At his side yet again stood Dick Breitbach, 75, his once-young assistant.

Bob’s kid brother Don, younger by seven years, was acknowledged along with late brother Jim as unofficial aide de camps who helped their big brother by scouting and whatever was asked.

Wantock gives Linn-Mar a healthy boost

Linn-Mar senior Mitch Wantock knew his right ankle was broken as soon as it happened.

"I heard it snap," he said Saturday.

Wantock got hurt Oct. 21 during a football game against Xavier and his absence at tailback may have cost Linn-Mar a shot at the Class 4A state title.

He missed the football playoffs and also missed the first part of the wrestling season, but he's back now and making up for lost time on the mat.

Wantock went undefeated at 170 pounds Saturday and helped the Lions win the Linn-Mar Invitational with five straight victories in the dual meet event.

Paige scores 24 to lead Lions past Heelan

SIOUX CITY -- Linn-Mar survived a scare, rallying from a 30-20 deficit in the third quarter to defeat Sioux City Bishop Heelan, 49-46, Saturday night in the CNOS Foundation Basketball Classic at the Tyson Events Center.

Linn-Mar, ranked ninth in Class 4A, improved to 6-2. Class 3A No. 5 Heelan, the winner of Iowa Class 3A state titles the last three years, slipped to 7-2.

As usual, North Carolina recruit Marcus Paige paced Linn-Mar, tallying 24 points, handing out seven assists and grabbing four rebounds. Paige had 31 points Friday night in Linn-Mar's 81-62 win over South Sioux City, Neb.

Slow start dooms Marion girls against Wahlert

You often hear people saying it’s not how you start it’s how you finish. Such was not the case for the Marion girls basketball team Saturday night against Dubuque Wahlert.

The Indians had a torrid fourth-quarter finish, but a slow start doomed them in the end. Class 3A No. 8 Wahlert beat the No. 11 Indians, 72-59, in a non-conference game at Marion.

It was Marion's third straight loss to a ranked foe and second in as many nights. The Indians (7-3) were beaten by Prairie in their last game before the holiday break, then lost 70-38 Friday night at No. 2 Benton Community.