NM's point-blank shots bring down the Braves
Jan. 27, 2012

NEW SHARON - In the first half, it was second chance opportunities.

The rest of the way, it was finishing at the rim.

With the exception of about a four-minute stretch during the second quarter, North Mahaska's boys had a step on Montezuma's and scored a convincing 56-43 win over the Braves on Friday evening, Jan. 27.

"We played hard, but not very disciplined," said Braves coach Derek Schulte. "And we didn't play Montezuma defense."

The Warhawks (7-9 overall, 7-8 in league play), put four players into double figures and a fifth scored 8. So who should Montezuma have tried to stop: Trent Lindenman (12 points), Connor Hehli (12), Zach Anderson (11), Clayton Korrell (11) or maybe Knic Chamberlain (8)?

The Braves limited the Warhawks to 35 percent field goal shooting in the first half, but gave up a slug of offensive rebounds. North Mahaska shot out to a lead, but then the Braves went to a 2-3 zone, got a couple of stops and rebounds, and put themselves back into the game.

The Warhawks led 24-22 at halftime, but then outscored the Braves 18-4 in the third quarter.

"The last four minutes of the second quarter, we played with the energy, tempo and intensity that we need," Schulte said. "But we gave up way too many second-chance points. That killed us all night long."

The Warhawks didn't need so many second chances after intermission, when they made 12 baskets in 17 attempts - a nifty 71 percent. They were able to get looks from point-blank range after short drives.

Stephen Vavroch scored 20 points for Montezuma (8-9 and 7-8). Nathan Wheeler hit a trio of treys in the first half and ended with those nine points.

"We have a choice as to which direction we'll go," Schulte said. "We have some tough guys, and I know they'll want to play their best basketball these last few weeks. We need to come back with a strong game on Tuesday."

UP NEXT - The Braves host Belle Plaine on Tuesday.

WATCH IT! - At 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on Local Channel 3, with Keith Brake and Zach Price bringing home the action.

SCORE BY QUARTERS
Montezuma        13    9    4   17  -  43
North Mahaska   14   10  18  14  -  56

MONTEZUMA (43): Brady Losure 0, 1-2, 1, 1. Zach Gibson 2, 0-0, 2, 4. Tyler Swenson 2, 0-0, 5, 4. Kane Barker 0, 0-0, 2, 0. Coleton Tompkins 0, 0-0, 1, 0. Stephen Vavroch 7, 4-4, 1, 20. Nathan Wheeler 3, 0-0, 2, 9. Matt Armstrong 2, 1-2, 3, 5. TOTALS: 16, 6-9, 17, 43.

NORTH MAHASKA (56): Trent Lindenman 4, 2-2, 0, 12. Zach Anderson 4, 1-4, 2, 11. Clayton Korrell 4, 2-2, 3, 11. Connor Hehli 6, 0-0, 2, 12. Alan Bowen 1, 0-0, 2, 2. Knic Chamberlain 4, 0-0, 2, 8. TOTALS: 23, 5-8, 11, 56.

Three-point goals: Montezuma 5 (Wheeler 3, Vavroch 2). North Mahaska 5 (Lindenman 2, Anderson 2, Korrell 1).
Fouled out: Montezuma (Swenson, 1:42, 4th qtr.)
Turnovers: Montezuma 9, North Mahaska 11.
Braves rebound leaders: Wheeler 7, Gibson 4.
Assists leader: Vavroch 4.
Steals leaders: Tompkins 2, Vavroch 2.
Blocks leader: Gibson 3.

Line score legend: Field goals made, free throws made-attempted, personal fouls, total points).

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