Grueling slate continues for Homestead boys basketball

Mequon - The rugged road for the Homestead boys basketball team continued last week with three games, including matchups against traditional powers Wisconsin Lutheran and Hartland Arrowhead.

The Highlanders fell to Arrowhead, 67-59, on Saturday after downing Port Washington, 74-42, on Friday night and Wisconsin Lutheran, 65-57, on Dec. 4.

"We have had our ups and downs," head coach Kevin McKenna said. "We have played a tough schedule so far this year, with eight games, and we've played some pretty good teams."

Homestead, which came into this week at 5-3, tallied 19 points in each of the first three quarters in taking a 57-28 lead over Port on Friday.

Luke Worthington led the way with 16 points, while Jake Laihinen added 14 points and Jarrod Walton and Jaylen Key each nine points.

Against Lutheran on Dec. 4, Homestead trailed, 47-46, after three periods but owned the fourth quarter, 19-10, to pull out the victory.

"Lutheran led late in the game, but our defense really came through," McKenna said. "Jake hit some big shots down the stretch as well."

Worthington again paced the Highlanders with 19 points, while Laihinen added 15, Key 11 and Walton 10.

Playing three games in five days apparently took a toll on Homestead in the Saturday contest against unbeaten Arrowhead.

"Arrowhead is a quality team with solid experience," the coach said, "and our legs just left us late in the game. We missed some shots we normally would have made."

Darius Marshall and Laihinen each tallied 16 points and Worthington 13 for the Highlanders, who were outscored 36-25 in the second half.

Homestead met Grafton on Tuesday night in what was a homecoming for McKenna, who coached the Black Hawks the past few seasons.

"It's nice to go back," he said. "Grafton was a good place for me."

The Highlanders then welcome Cedarburg at 7:30 p.m. Friday.