The Horsemen like to run at a fast pace.

The faster a basketball game is played, the better these Plains boys like it.

Opening up their offense by creating opportunities with defensive pressure, coach Tyrel Allen's Horsemen galloped to a pair of District 14C conference wins last week, running past St. Regis 64-53 in Plains Thursday and turning back the Savage Heat 70-53 in Hot Springs Friday.

The Horsemen stay on the 14C conference trail this week with games against Two Eagle River in Plains Thursday and at Noxon Friday.

Allen says the Horsemen's hot play of late stands in contrast to the illnesses his players have been going through lately. "It seems like half the team has a cold right now," he said. "It will be nice to get healthy again here in the next few weeks."

In spite of the sickness, the Horsemen played some healthy basketball last week, starting against St. Regis Thursday. The Tigers came into Plains riding high after a successful start to the season had put them in contention for the 14C regular season crown.

Playing the fast pace the Tigers prefer, the Horsemen beat St. Regis at its own game. "I think the fast pace actually helped us," he said. "We are totally fine with getting out and running the floor."

Kade Pardee canned 23 points to lead the Plains win, Treydon Brouillette added 15, Jake Weyers 11, Nathan Feliska six, Esvin Reyes five and Tucker Foster and Parker Flock two apiece

John Pruitt scored 16 points to pace St. Regis, Ian Farris scored 12, Andrew Sanford 10 and brothers Nick and Tanner Day six each.

The Horsemen moved to a similar win in Hot Springs the next night. Plains again created offensive opportunities with their defense. "We were very active, got in the passing lanes, made steals and got layups," Allen said, adding that he has a healthy dose of respect for coach Scott Fredrickson and his Savage Heat.

"Their coach has that team playing really well," Allen said. "They are a scrappy bunch that cannot be overlooked anytime."

Pardee put down 24 points to lead the Horsemen, Brouillette was good for 18, Reyes nine, Weyers six, Feliska five, Flock four and Jeremiah Allen two.

See other story for Hot Springs scoring.