The Mount Gilead boys’ basketball team (1-0, 0-0) knocked off Loudonville (0-1, 0-0) 59-55 on Dec. 1 to open the season, led by an 18 point showing by Rowan Fitzpatrick.
Mount Gilead showed off their defense early in the game with a steal by Cameron Vickers. They quickly went on a 5-0 run, highlighted by a three for Fitzpatrick. The Indians went up 11-7 after one.
Loudonville decreased the lead to one point in the second quarter, but Carson Trainer put the Indians up 13-10 on a fast break layup coming off a steal. Hayden Somerlot then hit a three to make it a 16-10 game with 6:10 left in the half. With 3:10 left, Fitzpatrick hit another shot from downtown to put the Indians up 21-14. On the next Louisville possession, Fitzpatrick got his hand in for a steal and took it to the basket to make it a 23-14 game. With 2:20 on the clock, Jacob Wilt hit a three to put the Indians up 26-17. Mount Gilead took a 30-20 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter Loudonville came back and it was a 33-33 game, but Fitzpatrick drained a three to put the Indians up by three. Cole Fricke scored on a fast break after he stole the ball, euro stepping his way to the hoop to go up 38-35 with 3:45 left in the third. Later in the quarter, Fitzpatrick stole the ball and scored to go up 49-43. The Indians were able to hold on for the four point win.
Mount Gilead shot 42% and 30% from three, while Loudonville made 39% and 17%. The Redbirds made 82% of their free throws. The Indians had advantages in rebounds 32-27, assists 16-13, and steals 11-6. The Redbirds had the only three blocks in the game.
Fitzpatrick led all scorers with 18 points, which included three from downtown. He was 3-for-4 from the line. Vickers scored 11 points, including seven in the third quarter. Trainer had 10 points.
Dilan Wade led the Redbirds with 15 points, including two makes from deep. Judah Layton scored 11 points, while Dakota Shook and Lane Mack each had 10 points.
