BELLE PLAINE – Montezuma’s junior varsity boys basketball team saved its best for last and was rewarded with its first win of the season.
The Braves were 40-38 victors over Belle Plaine on Saturday, Dec. 7.
“It was great to get our first win!” said coach Cal Smith.
The Braves, who had scored just 21 points through three quarters, put up 19 in the fourth to get a come-from-behind win.
Belle Plaine led 6-4 after one quarter, and 24-21 through three. The Braves had a 17-13 lead at halftime after enjoying a 13-7 second quarter.
Cameron Johnson, Maguire DeJong and Gavin Strong each scored 10 points for the Braves. Colton Benson had six and Jack Brenner scored four.
The Braves had 10 fewer rebounds, but four less turnovers than their opponent.
“They did a good job running the offense and driving to the hoop, and we got big stops on defense when we needed them,” Smith said.
“We need to look to pass when a drive isn’t open. On defense, we need to work on boxing out and getting rebounds,” the coach said.
“The boys didn’t quit even when we were down close to the end,” Smith said. “They competed the whole time, which was something we improved upon from our first game.”