From staff reports

COLDWATER – The Niles boys’ basketball team bounced back from its loss to South Bend Clay with a 66-62 win over host Coldwater Tuesday night.

The Vikings jumped out to a 17-6 first quarter lead and led at the half 36-28.

David Garner’s 13 first half points led the Vikings. Myles Busby added seven, while Mitch Peterek and Austin Parks both contributed six.

The second half had more up and down full court basketball with Coldwater scoring 19 points in the third to the Vikings 14.

Niles would take a slim 50-47 lead heading into the fourth.

Matthew McLauglin had 11 second half points to lead the Vikings.

“We got off to a fast start by sprinting the floor and creating some easy transition baskets,” Niles coach Todd Pawielski stated. “Our full-court defensive pressure caused Coldwater fits early. We rebounded well all night, particularly on the offensive end. David Garner, Myles Busby and Quintin Irby gave us many second chance opportunities.

“Matthew McLaughlin hit two big 3-point shots in the second half that really gave us momentum. Offensively, we did a nice job of sharing the basketball by either throwing it inside or making the extra pass to find a wide open jump-shooter.

“Defensively, we still need to do a better job of challenging the basketball in the lane, but I’m certainly pleased with our effort on that end of the floor tonight. Myles did a nice job guarding their top scorer. We also did a nice job of contesting some shots. Coldwater is an excellent basketball team. This is a solid win for us,” Pawielski added.

Garner led Niles on the night with 23 points and 11 rebounds from the guard position. Parks and Mclaughlin both had 13. Busby finished with seven points, eight rebounds and six assists. Irby finished with four rebounds.

Niles, which moves to 9-4 on the season, will be at Lakeshore on Friday in a pivotal Big 16 Conference West game.

Niles is currently in first place in the division at 2-1. Coldwater falls to 10-5 on the year.

NILES 66
David Garner 23, Myles Busby 7, Matthew McLaughlin 13, Austin Parks 13, Jordan Potthoff 0, Mitch Peterek 6, Quinton Irby 2, Riley Robson 0, Nate Lucero 2, Justin Potthoff 0. TOTALS: 25 11-20 66
COLDWATER 62
Seth Szasranski 8, Cam Holicki 22, Trent Guzy 2, Bobby White 14, Sean Foster 7, Jeff Plant 5, Aaron Wallace 4. TOTALS: 24 12-17 62

Niles 17 36 50 66
Coldwater 6 28 47 62
3-point baskets: Niles 5 (Parks 2, McLaughlin 2, Busby), Coldwater 2 (Holicki). Total fouls: Niles 14, Coldwater 18. Fouled out: Plant (C). Varsity records: Niles 9-4, Coldwater 10-5. JV score: Niles 38, Coldwater 36