March 28, 2024

Middle school basketball roundup

Creston A pulled out a 51-48 overtime win against Harlan Monday night.

The Panthers led going into the fourth quarter before Harlan battled back from down eight points to tie the game and send it to overtime.

Harlan kept the rally going into overtime, taking a four point lead over Creston. The Panthers didn’t quit and came back to take the three point victory.

“Quality win for our team,” said head coach Larry McNutt. “... Proud of our guys for staying with it after falling behind by four in the overtime.”

Parker Varner led the Panthers in scoring with 13. Josh Schaefer followed closely with 12 and Mattias Schulte rounded out the top-three with eight points.

Creston B took a 45-30 win over Harlan to give the Panthers a Monday night sweep.

The Panthers had two scorers in double-digits, Collyn Trembley (16) and Jayden Myeres (10.)

McNutt said his team did a “great job of sharing the basketball.”

Tuesday, Dec. 3

Creston A lost to Lewis Central Tuesday, Dec. 3 in a 53-31 contest.

Coming off of Thanksgiving break, McNutt said the team looked “a little sluggish.”

The Panthers struggled early, but things improved late in the game.

“(We) lost to a very good shooting LC team,” said McNutt. “.. Thought we competed much better in parts of the second half.”

Parker Varner led the team in scoring with 17 points. Mattias Schulte and Josh Schaefer scored six and five points, respectively.

Creston B suffered its first defeat of the season Tuesday, Dec. 3 with a 33-44 loss to Lewis Central.

The Panthers came in playing well, but they couldn’t get it done.

Tyler Riley scored 10 points with Jaydn Myers contributing six points.

Monday, Dec. 2

Creston A lost 49-43 Monday, Dec. 2 to Lewis Central.

The Panthers started out on top with a 14-8 lead after the first quarter, but LC was able to pull close with a 16-13 second quarter.

A 14 all third quarter kept Creston ahead 41-38, but the Panthers struggled in the final quarter, only scoring two points. LC was able to put up 11 in the final quarter to take the 49-43 win.

“LC has a very good team, and it was a very competitive game,” said McNutt. “We let the physical nature o the game get to us and bother us mentally. We led most of the way but just made too many mistakes and turned the ball over late in the game. We will learn from this game and improve from it.”

Cael Turner led the team with 25 points. Tony Davidson was the closest to follow with seven points.

Creston B struggled in a 46-24 loss against Lewis Central Monday, Dec. 2.

The Panthers were unable to score double-digit points in any quarter. The fourth quarter was the most productive with nine points.

Dillon Starlin led the team in scoring with 10 points.

“They had a good press, and we were not aggressive versus it,” said McNutt. “We played a lot more aggressive in the second half and did some good things.”

Creston C pulled out the Panthers’ only win against Lewis Central with a 2-21 win Monday, Dec. 2.

The Panthers trailed, but did enough in the final seconds to take the win.

“The team got a big come from behind win with a steal and basket in the remaining second,” said McNutt. “They did a great job.”