By Jacob Mathias

In their first game of the season, the Assumption Royals varsity boys basketball defeated the Nekoosa Papermakers 72-51 during the annual Cranberry Classic tournament on November 27.

The Royals took on the Papermakers after defeating them 43-29 during last year’s Cranberry Classic. Assumption’s overall record for the 2014-15 season was 15-9. Assumption ended the 2014-15 season after losing 59-31 against the Port Edwards Blackhawks.

Assumption scored 36 points in each half and leading the Royals in Saturday’s game was sophomore forward Joe Grundhoffer with 20 points followed by junior guard Trevor Newton with 17 points and senior point guard Brady Baltus with 16.

Leading the Papermakers was senior guard Justin Mortel with 17 points and senior forward Andrew Melvin with 12.

The Royals return to the final game of the Cranberry Classic at 8:00 PM at Assumption High School to take on the Columbus Catholic Dons. The Dons defeated the University School of Milwaukee Wildcats 101-85 in their first game of the Cranberry Classic.

Nekoosa takes on the University School at 6:15 PM.