WABENO, Wis — The Florence Bobcats traveled to Laona-Wabeno Friday night, which was won by the home team Rebels 71-69. The Northern Lakes Conference matchup was a make game from Thursday nights cancellation due to snowy weather.

“Overall, disappointed with the loss. There are some areas where we can go back and get better,” said Florence head coach Bryan Bomberg. “For the most part, this was our first big test and overall I liked what I saw and loved the fight in my team.”

Bomberg noted that an early loss can be learned from. “Credit the Rebels for giving challenging us, we’ll get better.” Bomberg said.

Riley Hixon led all scorers with 26 points for the Bobcats, with seven three pointers. Senior Kaden Schuls chipped in 22. Preston Stoltz added 10 points and nine rebounds, and Patrick Millan grabbed 10 rebounds for Florence.

Connor Taylor led L-W with 17 points, with Michael Stamper and Reed Christainson each chipping in 15 points. Jesse Paklski had 12 points for the Rebels.

L-W won the JV game.

Florence returns home to host Elcho on Thursday night, before traveling to Crandon on Thursday, Jan. 3.

FLORENCE: Hixon 26, Schuls 22, Stroltz, Patrick Milan 5, Johnson 3, Boettcher 3. FT: 12-21. 3-point FG: Hixon (7), Schuls (2), Stroltz, Boettcher. Rebounds: 36 (Milan 10, Stroltz 9)

L-W: Taylor 17, M. Seeber 5, Clayton Janesch 7, Christainson 15, Stamper 15, Paklski 12. FT: 10-13. F: 17. 3-point FG: M. Seeber, Carter Janesch, Stamper (3). Fouled Out: None