Henning ends season with record of 23-6 overall

The Henning bench celebrated a big shot early in the first half during Tuesday’s sub section championship game against New York Mills in Perham.

Henning once again proved that they can never be counted out of a game—no matter what the circumstances or uphill climb facing the team.

Mason Hammer drives to the basket during Tuesday’s game against New York Mills.

On Tuesday, Henning trailed New York Mills by as many as 20 points with just 10 minutes remaining in the second half, before they went on a run to make the Eagles’ heads spin. In just a matter of 7 minutes the Hornets pulled within a single possession of the lead by forcing a number of NY Mills turnovers, which were turned into quick points and a few timely 3-point shots.

The run was similar to what happened the first time these teams played earlier this season in which the Hornets trailed by 20 points, only to force overtime before falling by a score of 58-56. 

This time around the Eagles did just enough to keep the Hornets at bay and came away with a 65-60 win to capture the sub section championship. The Eagles held a 31-21 lead at halftime. 

Henning School Principal Thomas Williams presents the second place trophy to Tanner Arndt after the Hornets finished as the sub section runner up on Tuesday.

“What a spectacular effort from our guys. To be down 20 midway through the second half, never quit, close the margin to a single possession, and then have the game tying shot halfway down before it rolled out, shows a ton of heart and fight,” said head coach Randy Misegades. “I couldn’t be prouder of a group of kids for their effort and attitude. We have nothing to hang our head about.”

Henning’s lone senior, Tanner Arndt, had one of his best games of the season as he scored 35 points off of just 11-17 shooting from the field. He went 8-10 from inside the 3-point line and came up with a number of critical shots during Henning’s run late in the second half to get back into the game.  

Photos by Chad Koenen
The Henning fans were out in full force on Tuesday night. The students dressed in a full Hawaiian theme with floaties, sun hats, sun glasses and more.

“Tanner Arndt closed his spectacular career with 35 points. He is such a special player and person. We will miss him a great deal and I have been blessed to have the opportunity to watch him and coach him.”

Randy Misegades, head coach

In addition to Arndt, Tyson Misegades scored 10 points, Mason Hammer scored 7, Lane Dilly scored 5 and Kale Misegades rounded out the scoring with 3 points. Kale Misegades led the team with 5 assists and also tied Hammer for the lead in steals with 3. 

Kale Misegades guards Jonah Johnson up the court on Tuesday night.

As a team the Hornets shot 38 percent from the field and went 10-11 from the free throw line. 

The loss ended the Hornets season with a record of 23-6 overall, as well as a second place finish in the sub section and Park Region Conference. 

“This team overachieved all season. Finishing 12-2 in our conference and 23-6 overall is a great accomplishment,” said Misegades. 

Carter Kenyon comes down with a rebound in a crowd of New York Mills defenders during the sub section championship game.

With a bulk of its team returning next season, and just one senior on the team, Misegades said the success this season will go a long ways in laying the ground work for next season. 

“I know the rest of our guys are going to come back hungrier next season and will do everything they can to take the next step.”

Randy Misegades, head coach

The fan support the team received throughout the season was also appreciated by the team and the coaching staff. The Hornet fans filled the Perham High School gym on Tuesday night in what turned out to be a standing room only crowd.

The Henning boys basketball team wrapped up their season with a second place finish in the sub section tournament after falling to New York Mills by a score of 65-60 on Tuesday night. The team finished the season with a record of 23-6.

“I also want to thank the Henning community and alumni who came out in full force Tuesday night and created a great atmosphere. Henning will always be a basketball community,” said Misegades.

NY Mills went on to fall to Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa by a score of 71-65 in the Section 6A championship on Friday night in Fergus Falls. With the win the Jaguars advanced to the state basketball tournament, which is set for this week at Williams Arena. 

Opening round match ups at state include: top seeded Hayfield will play unseeded Russell-Tyler-Ruthton; fourth seeded Nevis will play fifth seeded Cherry; second seeded BBE will play unseeded Sleepy Eye Saint Mary’s; and third seeded New Life Academy will play unseeded Sacred Heart.