Daum Scores 21 In Return As Longhorns Stomp Hornets

Mike Daum misfired on his first attempt after returning to the lineup following a preseason injury.

A few seconds later, however, Kimball fans were treated to a more familiar sight: A well aimed shot lobbed easily from the wing, giving the Longhorns a 3-0 jumpstart on their way to 56-35 romp over Pine Bluffs on Friday.

“It felt really good,” the 6’8 junior said of his first points after the lengthy rehab. “It will only get better,” he added.

Daum was admittedly erratic in his return, converting just 6 of 18 inside and 2 of 5 from three point range. But he was also effective, finishing the game with a double-double--21 points and 12 boards.

The team also started slow, suffering through some sloppy transitions and shooting an icy 5 of 18 from the field in the first period.

Jake Reader’s flying lay up from a Caleb Reuter assist gave the Longhorns a 12-7 advantage with just over a minute remaining in the opening frame. But Pine Bluffs responded with intent. Taylor Fornstrom drained a three and Scott Gross scored on a put back from inside a crowded lane, tacking on one more with a bonus.

The Hornets led 13-12 at the end of one.

“We were a little sluggish,” observed Kimball head coach Bruce Tjosvold. “In the first quarter we did not get it into the post well.”

That changed as the second period got underway. Daum posted low and made a strong move the tilt the game back in the Longhorns’ favor. Zach Rockhold-O’Brien followed with a long range three.

But the visitor’s kept pace. Gross snatched a couple of points back after Rockhold-O’Brien’s trey. Daum scored with an assist from Jordon Berger. Gross answered, rising to the occasion yet again.

“They’re not an easy team,” Tjosvold pointed out.

Midway through the period, however, Kimball began to pull away. Reuter’s put back was followed by a Daum turn around jumper. Rockhold-O’Brien then swished another three and hit a fall away from the circle.

“We finally figured out what we were doing,” Reader explained.

Tjosvold switched to a one-four low set and Rockhold-O’Brien employed quick dribble penetration moves to pry open the Hornets’ defense.

“We went on a spurt when Zach hit those two shots,” Daum said.

When the dust settled at halftime, Kimball had forged a 13-2 run and held a 32-19 lead.

They never looked back.

Three Longhorns--Daum, Reader and Rockhold-O’Brien--put double digits on the board. Reuter nabbed a team high 15 rebounds.

“We played well tonight, but it will take most of the season to get where we want to be,” Reuter noted.

“We’re a long way from where we can be,” Tjosvold agreed.