North Mahaska did not shy away from the challenge of playing Class 2A powerhouse Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont. EBF entered Monday’s nonconference contest ranked 9th in the state by the Iowa High School Athletic Association with a 17-1 mark. NM battled but fell 66-65.
For NM players reached double figures as the Warhawks celebrated senior night. Drake Hall, Lane Harmon, Ethan Huffman, Braden Steel and Nash Smith played their final regular season home game for the red and white. Three of the seniors scored in double figures.
Junior Nolan Andersen finished with a double-double scoring 14 points and pulling down 15 rebounds. Smith led the scoring with 17, Harmon had 15 and Steel chipped in 12.
No stats were available for EBF at press time.
The teams played even throughout the night with the visiting Rockets leading 22-19 after one period but NM gained the advantage 37-35 at intermission. The gap remained the same as they entered the final frame. EBF outscored the Warhawks 16-13 to escape with the victory.
Harmon added five assists and five steals to his totals and Steel had seven rebounds and five steals. North Mahaska turned the ball over 13 times and was credited with 12 steals.
North Mahaska, 16-4, travels to Twin Cedars Tuesday for the regular season finale.