NM Boys Overcome Scrappy Bears
NEW SHARON – North Mahaska’s boys fell out of the top 10 rankings this week but showed they are still a contender for the South Iowa Cedar League title. The Warhawks held off a scrappy effort by the BGM (3-13, 1-10) Bears Tuesday to win 67-56.
The contest felt closer than what the score appeared. North Mahaska hit timely 3-pointers that would take away a brief BGM run. In the first half it was BGM’s Ben Cadden hitting for 11 points and in the second half Cole Mumm took over scoring 14. North Mahaska led 18-10 after one quarter and stretched the lead to 40-16 by intermission.
North Mahaska committed 15 turnovers to 10 for the Bears but outrebounded BGM 44-25.
“They (BGM) played hard and well,” said NM coach Kevin Kelderman. “Our decision making wasn’t very good at times. I thought we were smart with the basketball toward the end of the ball game.”
Second chance opportunities were the key to the NM success. They collected 18 offensive boards that allowed the Warhawks to look for another shot. Asher DeBoef grabbed 18 boards, scored 18 points, doled out four assists and garnered three steals. Three other players also reached double figures in scoring.
Lucas Nunnikhoven scored 14 while Gabe Hora and Adrian Smith chipped in 12 apiece. Smith also grabbed eight rebounds. Jack Kelderman and Hora each had four assists.
Cadden led BGM with 17 points, four rebounds and four assists and Mumm had five rebounds to go with his points. Tucker Wright scored five points with nine assists and seven steals.
North Mahaska (13-2, 10-1) is set for a conference showdown with Montezuma Friday. North Mahaska defeated the Braves early in the season. North Mahaska’s loss to Keota was negated when Sigourney upset the Eagles giving Keota two conference losses.
The winner of Friday’s game will have the inside track to the title with a handful of games left to play. Kelderman said his team must play stronger.
“There is a lot of physicality from these teams and we have to be able to weather it,” said Kelderman. “We have got to be able to attack the inside and not rely on our 3-pointers.”
