By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
DOWAGIAC – Dowagiac picked up its second sweep of the season on Tuesday night against the Niles Vikings.
The Dowagiac freshmen team posted a 48-44 victory over the Vikings, while the junior varsity picked up a 71-49 win.
Freshmen basketball
Dowagiac jumped out to a 19-8 first quarter lead and then held off Niles over the final three quarters.
The Chieftains led 31-19 at halftime, but the Vikings cut the lead to 39-35 heading into the final period. Dowagiac and Niles both scored nine points in the final stanza.
The game was delayed approximately 10 minutes when an officials error had to be corrected. Dowagiac was awarded a one-and-one at the free throw line when it should have been a two-shot foul. The mistake was made after Dowagiac had missed the free throw and picked up the rebound and scored.
Everything was finally sorted out and the Chieftains held on for the victory.
Jalen Nickens led Dowagiac with 15 points. Damone Huff added 10 points for the Chieftains.
Niles' Cameron Sly led all scorers with 18 points. The Vikings also got eight points each from Mitchell Peterek and Christopher Schuck.
On Friday night in Vicksburg, the Chieftains came away with a 38-35 victory over the Bulldogs.
Cody Cox led Dowagiac with 17 points. The Chieftains also got 10 points from Brandon Douglas and seven points from Nickens.
Dowagiac is back in action on Friday when it travels to Allegan. Tip-off begins at 4:15 p.m.
JV basketball
Dowagiac played perhaps its best game of the season in defeating the Vikings.
The Chieftains led 18-11 after one period of play and 37-23 at halftime.
Dowagiac outscored Niles 34-26 in the second half.
Dre Kiser and Mike Filley both scored 19 points to lead the Chieftains, who also got 10 points each from Greg Nelson and Zach Russom.
Niles was led by Justin Williams 10 points. Cody Floor added eight points.
The Chieftains return to the hardwood on Friday at Allegan. The game is scheduled to begin at approximately 5:45 p.m.