Carthage College Athletics

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Carthage College men's basketball team continued its unbeaten start to the season Saturday afternoon, earning a 91-54 victory over UW-Stout at Tarble Arena.
The Firebirds improved to 3-0 behind a balanced offensive performance, with five players scoring in double figures. Sam Ritchie led Carthage with 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-6 from three-point range. Braylen Meredith added 16 points, five rebounds and three steals, while Tre Blissett, Chris Schlesinger and Ryan Johnson each finished with 11 points. Johnson also recorded six assists and five rebounds.

• Final Score: Carthage 91 - UW-Stout 54
• Location: Kenosha, Wis. - Tarble Arena
• Records: Carthage 3-0, UW-Stout 1-2

Carthage established control early, opening the game with a 10-2 run behind baskets from Ritchie, Schlesinger, and Blissett. The Firebirds continued to build their advantage, with Meredith knocking down a three-pointer and Max Sheridan adding a triple to push the lead to 19-9. A dunk from Johnson and a three-pointer from Braylen Blue helped Carthage extend its advantage to 29-12.

UW-Stout worked its way back into the contest, cutting the deficit to 32-24 late in the half. Carthage responded with a jumper from Jabe Haith and two free throws from Meredith before Ritchie connected from beyond the arc. KJ Cathey added a layup in the closing minute to send the Firebirds into halftime with a 41-32 lead.

The Firebirds took control after the break, opening the second half with a 12-2 run. Ritchie scored four points during the stretch, while Johnson added two free throws to help Carthage extend its lead to 47-34. Schlesinger followed with a three-pointer and a jumper, and Meredith added a basket to push the advantage to 54-37.

Carthage continued to create separation with contributions across the lineup. Blissett converted two free throws and added a layup, while Meredith scored inside before knocking down a three-pointer. He followed with a dunk, and Ritchie connected from long range as the Firebirds built a 68-39 advantage.

The lead continued to grow as Blue knocked down a three-pointer and Schlesinger converted two free throws. Ritchie added another triple, while Nathan Bunkosky scored four points during the stretch to help Carthage move ahead 79-45. Johnson added a layup and two free throws before the Firebirds closed out the 91-54 victory with late three-pointers from Andy Nash and Lazar Lazarevic.

• Sam Ritchie led all scorers with 20 points, adding two steals and two assists.
• Braylen Meredith finished with 16 points, five rebounds and three steals.
• Tre Blissett, Chris Schlesinger and Ryan Johnson each scored 11 points.
• Johnson added six assists and five rebounds, while Schlesinger pulled down six rebounds.
• Nathan Bunkosky recorded five assists, five rebounds, two steals, and three points.
• Carthage shot 54.2% from the field and 46.2% from three-point range, finishing with 12 three-pointers. 
• The Firebirds also forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 31 points, and recorded 12 steals and 19 assists.

• Carthage plays Lawrence at home on Wednesday, November 18 at 7 p.m.