Vikings fall to Battle Creek Lakeview
Published 8:43 pm Wednesday, December 10, 2008
By Staff
BATTLE CREEK – The Niles boys' varsity basketball team was defeated soundly by Battle Creek Lakeview Tuesday night in its non-conference opener, 68-40.
A seven point second quarter spelled doom for the Vikings.
Lakeview began the game on a 7-0 run, but Niles battled back to tie the score at 7-7. The score was 12-11 before Lakeview went on a 8-0 run to end the first quarter, scoring numerous easy baskets off unforced Niles turnovers.
The score would be 33-14 at the half and Niles would get no closer.
The Vikings shot a chilly 14-53 from the field and 10-20 from the free throw line.
"We did not do many things right tonight," Viking coach Todd Pawielski commented. "Our transition defense was very poor and we could not make a shot from three feet in the second and third quarters when we had a chance to make a game of it."
Junior David Garner led the Vikings with 15 points and four assists. Asaad Ali had six points and five rebounds. Javier Smith added five points.
"Javier Smith did a nice job in his first varsity start. He brings a lot of energy and passion to our team," Pawielski said.
Niles plays at home Friday night against Battle Creek Central.
NILES 40
David Garner 15, Andrew Brawley 0, Asaad Ali 6, Zach Payne 3, Kyle Williams 2, Zach Pearson 4, Terrell Farrow 2, Conrad Muhumza 1, Javier Smith 5, A.J. Moore 2, Mitch Peterek 0. TOTALS: 17 10-20 40
BATTLE CREEK LAKEVIEW 68
Morris 19, Bolden 8, Pocernik 8, Keagle 4, Miller 4, Perry 7, Baumann 10, Kolconowski 6, Krawczyk 2. TOTALS: 24 14-30 68.
Niles 11 18 25 40
Lakeview 20 33 54 68
3-point goals: Niles 3 (Garner 2, Payne), Lakeview 6 (Morris 3, Pocernik 2, Perry), Total fouls: Niles 23, Lakeview 20. Varsity records: Niles 0-1, Lakeview 1-0