The Mount Gilead boys’ basketball team (2-1, 0-0) had an up-and-down week taking a lopsided loss to Lucas (3-0, 1-0) but bouncing back with a solid win over Grandview Heights (2-2, 0-0).
On Dec. 5 the Indians traveled to Lucas and took a 58-22 loss to the Cubs. Lucas was dominant in the first half, outscoring the Indians 26-6 in the first and then taking a 41-13 lead at halftime. Lucas continued its hot play with a 17-5 third quarter, and Mount Gilead scored the only four points of the fourth quarter.
Lucas was lights out shooting 58.1% and 33.3% from three. They held Mount Gilead to 27% and 16.7% from three. Points in the paint were huge as the Cubs had 32 and Indians had only 14 points. Mount Gilead had trouble holding onto the ball with 20 turnovers.
Carson Trainer scored six points and had four boards, an assist and a steal. Rowan Fitzpatrick scored four points and had three assists, one rebound and a steal. Mitchell Sayers had five points and three rebounds.
“The Lucas game showed we needed to work on being more physical on defense and to improve our defense,” said Coach Nathan Davis. “Also, on offense, being strong with the ball and becoming more fundamental.”
On Dec. 8 the Indians beat Grandview Heights 53-47. They led 13-10 after one and 26-23 at halftime. The Indians pulled away with an 11-4 third and fended off a late comeback where Grandview Heights outscored Mount Gilead 20-16.
The Indians shot 50% and were 4-for-14 from deep. They forced 18 turnovers and led in most stages of the games including 23-18 in boards and 15-14 in assists.
Davis said the keys to the win was the team’s defense and efficiency on offense. He said the defense created confidence, and the chance to score points on the offensive side of the floor.
Fitzpatrick had 16 points, four assists, two rebounds and five steals. Trainer also hit double figures with 10 points to go with five rebounds and two assists. Cameron Vickers scored eight points and had three boards and two assists.
“Rowan Fitzpatrick stood out with his patience on the offensive end,” said Davis. “He let the game come to him. His passing is improving and it showed tonight. Carson Trainer had a great game with his effort on both ends of court. He is improving every game so far in the post position. He was strong and led the team in rebounds.”
