Niles top Eddies to stay in first place

Published 5:49 pm Thursday, January 18, 2024

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NILES — The battle for the top spot in the Wolverine Conference was won in the second quarter of the boys basketball game between Edwardsburg and Niles Wednesday night.

Making up their game that was postponed the previous Friday night, the Vikings remained along in first place with a 49-33 win over the Eddies.

Niles (8-2. 7-0 Wolverine), led just 25-21 at halftime against Edwardsburg.

The Vikings used a big third quarter to take control of the contest and then held off the Eddies (5-4, 5-2 Wolverine) in the final eight minutes.

Niles doubled up Edwardsburg, 16-8, in the third quarter to extend its advantage to 41-21.

The Eddies were able to slightly cut into the Vikings’ lead in the fourth quarter, but could not overcome the halftime deficit.

Mike Phillips, who had 32 points against Vicksburg Tuesay night, led Niles again, this time with a game-high 26 points.

Niles also got six points from Brenden Olsen and five points each from Brayden Favors and Ethan Chambliss.

The Vikings will try to stay in first place on Friday when they travel to Plainwell for a Lakeland Conference contest.

 

Girls Basketball

Edwardsburg bounced back from a 58-53 loss to Paw Paw on Thursday to keep Niles winless Wednesday night.

The Eddies (6-4, 4-2 Wolverine) took advantage of the Vikings’ offensive struggles to post a 65-23 win over Niles.

Edwardsburg jumped out to a 19-6 lead after one quarter, which it extended to 39-16 by halftime.

Mya Eberlein led the Edies with 14 points, while Maddie Poguda added 12 points.

Niles got 10 points from Jessie Thornton and six points from Elly Matlock.

Niles travels to Plainwell Friday night to face the Trojans.