SOUTH HAMILTON DEFENDERS Lyndon Johnson (22) and Ryan Oskvig guard against St. Edmond in Des Moines. (Photo by Britt Kudla)

DES MOINES — A slow start kept the South Hamilton boys from ever challenging St. Edmond here Thursday night as part of the Iowa Wolves High School Hoops Series.

Down by 17 after the opening quarter, the Hawks fell, 77-20, inside Wells Fargo Arena.

Grant Larson scored eight to lead South Hamilton, as Jose Babcock added seven and Benjamin Swenson finished with five.

For the Gaels, Hunter Horn had 30 and Jack McElroy 17.

The Hawks had won each of the last two meetings between the two schools, who are separated by 40 miles.

On Friday, the Hawks dropped a 68-28 decision at Monroe-PCM. Larson led the Hawks with 15 points and five rebounds. Swenson added six points and five boards.

Babcock dished out three assists. Larson and Lyndon Johnson both contributed three steals.

South Hamilton returns home on Monday to host Perry.