The Montezuma junior high boys ‘B’ basketball team started and finished fast in a 30-22 home win over North Mahaska on Monday, Jan. 13.
The Braves led 11-0 after one quarter. Then, after the Warhawks closed to within 21-18 after three, the Braves closed with a 9-4 fourth quarter.
“We did a great job flying around and causing problems,” said Montezuma Coach John Beck. “Bryson Stockman, Carter Michalek and David Rose did a great job applying pressure and forcing bad decisions.”
“Peyton Minner and Briar Simpson really stuck out with their rebounding and that lead to a great team effort on the boards,” Beck said. “I would like to see some more communication on the defensive end, especially on out of bounds plays.”
Rose scored eight points for Montezuma. Spencer Ross had seven, Kohen Hollnd scored six, Carter Michalek had three and Bryson Stockman scored two.
“We started out really well by attacking the rim and kicking out for great shots,” Beck said. “Michalek, Rose and Landen Morrison did a great job attacking and setting up shooters on the outside.”
“Kohen Holland and Spencer Ross hit some outside shots that helped expand their defense,” the coach said. “We got some good production on the offensive boards from Jayden Ross and Sammy Boughner. Minner, Simpson and Jusiah Wetering did great jobs setting screens for our guards.”
“We need to better moving the ball around and playing off two feet,” Beck said. “It we can do those two things, our offensive production should improve.”
“Overall, these young men gave it their all and executed well,” Beck said. “We have some things to work on, but their commitment to improving has been great this year.”
The win lifted the ‘B’ team’s record to 2-2 on the year.