South Iowa Cedar League race for the boys’ title got tighter Tuesday night when Keota upset No. 10 North Mahaska, 71-61 in Keota. Three teams each have one loss in league play. Currently, Keota leads with a 9-1 record while North Mahaska and Montezuma are tied at 8-1. The latter two face each other in Monte on Jan. 24.
One of North Mahaska’s leaders scored 20 points but was held to zero rebounds, steals and assists. Asher DeBoef scored 20 points but none from long range. Gabe Hora hit four 3-pointers and finished with 12 points and five rebounds. Adrian Smith added another 10 points.
Junior reserve came off the bench and grabbed nearly half of North Mahaska’s 30 total rebounds with 14. He was credited with three steals and two assists. Another reserve, Trenton DeBruin, chipped in six points.
North Mahaska (11-2, 8-1) garnered six steals and turned the ball over 10 times. They went to the foul line five times hitting four.
North Mahaska trailed 17-16 after one period and 29-25 at halftime. Still at the same deficit entering the final period Keota outscored the Warhawks 25-19 to earn the victory.
North Mahaska entered the Class 1A rankings this week at No. 10. They host winless English Valleys Friday on senior night. They host BGM on Tuesday before their Friday clash at Montezuma. With Keota’s schedule remaining, they may have the inside track to at least a tie for the conference crown.
No stats were available for Keota at press time Wednesday.