The Jefferson J-Hawks opened their boys’ basketball season with an overpowering victory against the Clinton River Kings Tuesday night (Nov. 30) at the Jefferson gym.

The J-Hawks put together a stifling defensive effort that created turnover after turnover.  They allowed only 10 points in the first half and held Clinton to zero points in the third quarter.  Jefferson used an aggressive half-court man-to-man astheir base defense, offered up a disruptive press and flashed an occasional zone.

The J-Hawks also provided a solid offensive demonstration, taking advantage of the many Clinton turnovers.  Jarrod Uthoff controlled the boards and ended up with 29 points.  Alec Saunders and Tyler Meiborg chipped in with 13 and 12, respectively. Devon Douglas led the River Kings with 12.

“We have specific fundamentals that we work on in every practice and this game gave us the opportunity to see what we have learned,” explained Jefferson Coach Stu Ordman.  “We did well on some and we need to improve on some others.  We really need to smooth out our offense and improve our decision-making.”

The new mercy rule for Iowa boys’ basketball was in effect for the entire second half.  The new rule made the game go quickly, but seemed to leave something to be desired.  Clinton, missing four bench players due to disciplinary action, was not unhappy with the rule.

“It’s the new rule, so we go with it,” Clinton Coach Nick Lawrence said during the game along the bench area.

“I didn’t like it” said Coach Ordman, speaking of the new rule.  “It gives you no chance to get some court time for the seven through 15 players on your roster.”

Jefferson (1-0) hosts Davenport North on December 4.

Creighton Robinson scored 25 points and Layne Sullivan 17 to pace the Jefferson sophomores to an 86-41 win

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CLINTON (20): Devan Douglas 5 2-2 12, Andrew Temperly 0 1-2 1, Patrick Hess 0 1-2 1,  Blake Pennock 1 0-0 2, Christian Rowan 1 2-2 4.

JEFFERSON (75): Tyler Meiborg 4 2-2 12, Ky Kramer 0 0-0 0, Taylor Olson 1 1-2 3, Alec Saunders 6 1-3 13, Jarrod Uthoff 12 5-6 29, Alex Brown 1 0-0 2, Alex Larson 1 0-0 3, Michael Rooney 1 2-2 4, Alex Heying 2 0-0 4, Tyler Hemphill 1 0-0 2, Taylor Mueller 0 0-0 0, Joseph Kelly 1 0-0 3, Nathan Selberg 0 0-0 0, Austin Goodell 0 0-0 0, Taylor Steckler 0 0-0 0.

Halftime – Jefferson 45, Clinton 10. 3-point goals: Clinton 0, Jefferson 4 (Meiborg 2, Larson 1, Kelly 1).