Swifts edge out Cowboys, 31-27

The Nazareth Swifts, nearing the end of the regular season, clenched a close conference win against the Happy Cowboys, 31-27.

Happy took the lead in the first quarter, 8-3, but the Swift took a two-point lead in the second quarter to end the first half 15-13 over the Cowboys.

Both teams battled in the third quarter with even scoring and Nazareth holding on to a narrow lead, 25-23. Nazareth cam in with an extra two free throw points in the final period and claimed the victory, 31-27.

The Swifts shot for nine of 32 fields goals with two of 13 three-pointers, 11 of 16 free throws; collected 22 rebounds, two steals and 10 fouls.

Shooters for Nazareth were Carson Heiman, nine points, two defensive rebounds and two fouls; Tanner Birkenfeld, eight points, one steal and two fouls; Luke Schulte, four points, five offensive rebounds, two defensive rebounds, one steal and two fouls; Kayle Rogers, four points, five defensive rebounds, two defensive rebounds and two fouls; Brett Heitschmidt, two points, one offensive and defensive rebound and one foul; Creed Hockstein, three points and one foul; and Sterl Welps, one point, one offensive rebound, five defensive rebounds and one foul. Reid Backus had one defensive rebound.

The Swifts have a current record of 20-7, with one final game regular season game left, and will play the Hart Longhorns in the final conference matchup.

A District championship win would send the Swifts into the playoffs which begin on Feb. 20-21 for Bi-District, followed by Feb. 23-25 for Area.