NM Boys Ground Rockets
NEW SHARON – North Mahaska was efficient at both ends of the court Monday and grounded the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Rockets 64-32 in nonconference play. The host Warhawks improved to 8-1 on the season while EBF remained winless 0-8.
It was a little slow going for the Warhawks in the opening period but adjustments made in the second quarter proved too much for the outmanned Rockets. NM led 15-11 after one period but outscored EBF 24-7 in the second quarter and the defense allowed only a free throw in the third period.
“Defense was the name of the game,” said NM coach Kevin Kelderman. “The kids reacted well to what we wanted to do. When we are sharing the ball we are tough to guard.”
North Mahaska doled out 12 assists and collected 19 steals and forced 21 EBF turnovers. They also outrebounded the Rockets nearly two to one.
For the second game in a row three Warhawks reached double figures in scoring. Gabe Hora led with 19, Asher DeBoef scored 16 and Luke Nunnikhoven finished with 10. Seven Warhawks scored on the night. Dane VanMersbergen chipped in six and Adrian Smith added five.
DeBoef had an impressive line with seven rebounds, four steals and four assists. Smith had four steals and two assists, while Jack Kelderman had five rebounds, three steals and two assists. Jaxon VanDerVeer, Hora and Trenton DeBruin each recorded a block.
Gavin Spaur led EBF’s scoring with seven points. Austin Langstraat, Corbin Kirkpatrick and Emmet Holohan each had six.
North Mahaska will host Sigourney Tuesday in a South Iowa Cedar League tilt then goes to Iowa Valley on Friday.
