PARKSTON -- Alcester-Hudson had a game plan to limit Taylor Nichols' production. Simply put, it didn't work.
The Hanson 6-foot-4 senior center was everywhere on the floor Monday night, as he scored 28 points and grabbed 21 rebounds to record a double-double in the Beavers' 67-47 win over the Cubs at the Parkston Classic in Parkston.
"They were playing to my back, so it was pretty easy for my guys to get the ball to me," Nichols said. "I was able to make shots, which is always good. It's always good when my teammates are in their positions. It's easier for me to score."
At the half, Hanson led Alcester-Hudson 35-30, and Nichols had 22 points. However, the Beavers (4-0) tightened up on defense in the second half, limiting the Cubs to 17 points.
While Alcester-Hudson contained Nichols in the second half, the energy it took to focus on him defensively opened things up for the Beavers' all-state player, Jordan Marquardt. The 6-foot-1 senior guard finished with 14 points and six assists.
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"Taylor has been huge for us so far this season," said Hanson head coach Josh Oltmanns, whose team is receiving votes. "It just opens everything up for everybody. They made the adjustment and took him out in the second half, but other guys stepped up for us."
According to Alcester-Hudson (3-3) head coach Kevin Kunz, guarding both of Hanson's offensive weapons turned out to be a great challenge.
"We knew going into the game that (Nichols) was a focal point of their offense," Kunz said. "In the first half, we threw some man (defense) at him and tried to box him in, and at halftime, we almost made it like playground basketball. We tried to throw something up on the board to see if we could account for him."
Kunz added the physicality of the first half took a toll on his players, allowing fatigue to set in on both sides of the floor.
Sam Jensen led the Cubs in scoring with 14 points, while Gavin Doering chipped in 13 points and five rebounds. Grant Johnson also scored 13 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out four assists. In addition, Zachary Ronning pulled down five rebounds for Alcester-Hudson.
Hanson hopes to continue its undefeated record against Lake Preston at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, while Alcester-Hudson faces Avon on Friday in Alcester.
"We're playing really well as a team right now," Nichols said. "We take practice really seriously. We come every day ready to work. We treat every game like it's our last and all for one goal."
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