Hornets remain in first place in the Park Region Conference with an 8-0 record

Photo by Dani Koenen
Beck Thorson takes a hard charge in the lane during Thursday’s game against Menahga.

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

The top ranked Henning Hornets improved to 17-0 overall and 8-0 in the Park Region Conference with a pair of tough wins lat week. On Tuesday night the Hornets defeated Norman County East/Ulen-Hitterdal by a score of 70-60, before defeating the Menahga Braves by a score of 75-38 on Thursday night.

This week the Hornets traveled to Pillager on Monday night, before hosting Bertha-Hewitt on Thursday and Sebeka on Friday. The game against the Trojans on Friday night will be the annual youth night celebration in which the Henning basketball team will take time to sign autographs and take pictures with local fans and youth after the game. 

Tuesday

The top ranked Henning Hornets kept their undefeated season in tact with a 70-60 road win over a talented Norman County East/Ulen-Hitterdal on Tuesday night. 

“Another extremely physical game tonight. Norman County East/Ulen-Hitterdal is one of the most talented teams in a ridiculously deep section. We told the guys yesterday that they are much better than their record indicated, and that proved to be the case. They are hard nosed and difficult to guard,” said head coach Randy Misegades.

Henning led by a 41-34 margin in the first half as Henning shot 47 percent from the floor and kept the Titans at bay down the stretch by going 12-16 from the free throw line. 

Henning was led offensively by Kale Misegades who once again recorded a double-double with 32 points and 12 rebounds, while Ryan Despard knocked down three 3-pointers to finish with 20 points, five rebounds and five steals. 

Misegades highlighted the play of juniors Beck Thorson who finished with eight points and Todd Berjke who finished with four points in the win. 

“Beck Thorson had 8 big points off the bench and I thought Todd Bjerke played well overall,” said Misegades.

Dawson Bushman and Zack Wiederich rounded out the scoring with three points in the win.

Misegades said the game was an important close contest for the Hornets as they head into the final month of their regular season.

“This felt like a March game, which is what we need as we head into the final month of our regular season. We are happy to come out with wins at all three levels tonight,” he said. 

Henning vs. NCE/UH

January 27, 2026

POINTS: Wiederich 3, Bushman 3, Bjerke 4, Despard 20, Thorson 8, Misegades 32

ASSISTS: Bushman 2, Bjerke 6, Despard 2, Thorson 1, Misegades 2

REBOUNDS: Wiederich 2, Bushman 1, Bjerke 5, Despard 5, Thorson 1, Misegades 12, Suchy 2

STEALS: Wiederich 1, Bushman 1, Despard 5, Misegades 2

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Thursday

The Henning Hornets took some time on Thursday night to honor a senior class that has went an eye popping 100-9 over the past four years, as part of the annual senior night celebration. 

“A special thanks to seniors Dawson Bushman, Ryan Despard, Bradon Grabe, Kale Misegades and Andrew Suchy for their effort and dedication to our basketball program. Those guys have been part of Henning teams over the past four years that now have a combined record of 100-9.
Just an incredible level of dedication to their teammates, school, and community. And those  guys have bigger goals in mind for our team moving forward,” said head coach Randy Misegades. 

The Hornets jumped out to a 46-19 lead at halftime and held the Braves to just 30 percent shooting from the floor and 20 turnovers on the offensive end of the court. Henning defeated the Braves by a score of 75-38. 

“Good effort by all the guys tonight. We designated this game as our Senior Night and we were able to get some guys extended minutes that normally don’t get that opportunity. Each of our five seniors got into the scoring column in the game,” said Misegades. 

Kale Misegades led the way offensively with 15 points, nine assist and eight rebounds. Dawson Bushman scored 13 points, Zack Wiederich scored 11 points, Todd Bjerke scored 10 points, Ryan Despard scored eight points, Beck Thorson scored seven, Andrew Suchy score four, Bradon Grabe scored three and Teghan Wiirre and Easton Misegades rounded out the scoring with two points apiece. 

Henning vs. Menahga

January 29, 2026

POINTS: Misegades 2, Wiederich 11, Bushman 13, Bjerke 10, Despard 8, Thorson 7, Misegades 15, Wiirre 2, Suchy 4, Grabe 3

ASSISTS: Wiederich 3, Bushman 1, Bjerke 1, Despard 3, Misegades 9, Suchy 1, Grabe 1

REBOUNDS: Misegades 1, Wiederich 6, Bushman 6, Bjerke 3, Despard 3, Thorson 4, Misegades 8, Arndt 1, Suchy 6, Grabe 1

STEALS: Wiederich 2, Bushman 2, Bjerke 2, Despard 2, Thorson 1, Misegades 3, Grabe 1

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