North Mahaska boys basketball coach Kevin Kelderman will be searching for some answers as to ow HLV was able to penetrate for a number of easy baskets while his team missed several points in the paint. Despite those questions the Warhawks were able to hit shots when they needed to score a 60-48 win over the HLV Warriors.
In the beginning it looked like North Mahaska was going to run away with the game as they built a 17-5 lead after one period. NM senior Asher DeBoef, who finished with a game-high 28 points, hit a 3-pointer a minute into the second half but the Warhawks would not score for nearly four minutes. Meanwhile HLV attacked the basket and closed the game to 20-19 when DeBoef hit another long ball. NM then scored seven points and held the Warriors scoreless for a 30-19 lead at half.
HLV would cut into the North Mahaska lead to four to five points but could get no further. Free throws by NM were able to seal the victory.
RD Keep/North Mahaska Communications
North Mahaska’s Asher DeBoef sails in for a basket as HLV’s Devon Weisskopf tries to defend. DeBoef hit for 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to help NM to a 60-48 victory.
“They played well,” said NM coach Kevin Kelderman. “They were hitting those penetrating drives, and we missed a lot of bunnies.”
DeBoef led the way with his points, 10 rebounds and five steals. Gabe Hora added 12 points and Lucas Nunnikhoven chipped in 10. Jack Kelderman and Aidan Smith each recorded six rebounds. North Mahaska turned the ball over 16 times to 14 for HLV but hit 10-for-17 at the free throw line while HLV was 6-of-13.
HLV had three players in double figures. Peyton Roth led with 14, Levi Molyneux added 12 and Sean McCulloch had 11. Devon Weisskopf added eight with seven rebounds.
North Mahaska will travel to Lynnville-Sully Friday, PCM Tuesday and close out the pre-holiday season at Moravia Friday.