VICTOR – A second half adjustment on defense keyed Montezuma’s 66-45 victory over HLV on Tuesday night, Dec. 17.
The Braves led just 32-28 at halftime over an athletic Warriors team that was effective when driving the ball to the basket against Montezuma’s man defense.
But the Braves jammed the driving lanes after intermission. HLV often settled for contested jump shots or three-point attempts and the Warriors’ point production slowed.
Monteuma outscored HLV 34-17 in the second half to pull away to the 21-point victory.
Montezuma’s offense was consistent throughout. The Braves got to the rim and finished, or hit from three-point range, with Brady Boulton, Max Anderson, Dane Strong, Easton Hudnut and Luke Brennan all splashing down treys.
Boulton had a great shooting night. He was 11-for-18 from the field, including 7-for-11 from three-point range. They all added up to 29 points.
Kohen Holland scored 11 on 5-for-7 shooting.
The Braves outscored HLV 36-6 on three-point baskets, which were a decisive factor in the outcome.
Holland gave the Braves a strong performance on the defensive boards in this game. But the Braves in general pounded the boards. Max Anderson matched Holland’s 7 boards, and Dane Strong, Luke Brennan and Broox Stockman all had 5 each.
Montezuma changed up its defenses from time to time in the second half, adding to HLV’s frustration.
The victory lifted the Braves to 5-1 on the season.
HLV is back to even at 3-3.
UP NEXT – Montezuma’s boys and girls are at Sigourney for a quad night on Friday, Dec. 20.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Montezuma 20 12 14 20 – 66
HLV 15 13 7 10 – 45
MONTEZUMA (66) – Dane Strong 3-7, 0-0, 1, 7; David Rose 1-4, 0-2, 2, 2; Brady Boulton 11-18, 0-0, 4, 29; Kohen Holland 5-7, 1-2, 3, 11; Max Anderson 3-12, 0-0, 1, 7; Easton Hudnut 1-3, 0-0, 1, 3; Luke Brennan 2-5, 0-0, 1, 6; Broox Stockman 0-0, 1-2, 0, 1. TOTALS – 26-56, 2-6, 13, 66.
HLV (45) – TOTALS – 20-60, 3-8, 13, 45.
LINE SCORE LEGEND – field goals made-attempted, free throws made-attempted, personal fouls, total points.
Three-pointers – Mont – 12-31 (Boulton 7-11, Brennan 2-3, Strong 1-4, Hudnut 1-3, Anderson 1-9. HLV – 2-16.
Turnovers – Mont – 12, HLV – 9
Rebounds – Mont – 33 (Anderson 7, Holland 7, Strong 5, Brennan 5, Stockman 5, Rose 3, Boulton 1. HLV – 29.
Assists – Mont – 12 (Holland 3, Anderson 3, Boulton 2, Brennan 2, Rose 1, Hudnut 1); HLV 8.
Steals – Mont – 4 (Holland 2, Rose 1, Anderson 1); HLV – 8.
Blocks – Mont – 3 (Holland 2, Anderson 1); HLV – none.