Manchester Runs Into Blackhawk Buzzsaw, Falls 70-39

March 2, 2022 at 4:17 a.m.
Manchester Runs Into Blackhawk Buzzsaw, Falls 70-39
Manchester Runs Into Blackhawk Buzzsaw, Falls 70-39

By Connor McCann-

BLUFFTON – Facing a tough opening round matchup in IHSAA 2A Sectional 36, the Manchester Squires boys basketball team held their own for about a quarter against the 2A No. 4 Fort Wayne Blackhawk Braves before eventually falling 70-39.

The Squires started the game in good shape, battling the Braves and matching buckets throughout the opening period. Freshman Gavin Betten was as good as he has been all season long, scoring eight first-quarter points to help keep Manchester in the game. The Squires could offer little resistance to Blackhawk’s balanced attack, and struggled even more on the glass. The Braves were able to get whatever they wanted in the second-chance department, allowing them to stay on top 16-13 going into the second quarter.

The second period was a nightmare on both ends for Manchester. Blackhawk would steamroll the Squires to the tune of 20 straight points, getting them in a variety of ways. The Braves combination of made threes and easy transition buckets resulting from Manchester turnovers spiraled into a massive run that left the Squires down big at the break. Manchester would score its first points of the quarter with about a minute left on a three from Gavin Martin, and would head into the halftime break trailing 39-16.

The second half offered little change to the pattern being developed. Blackhawk continued to sink open looks and control the glass, ballooning the lead to over 30 in the process. Betten did his best to keep the Squires in the game, but with a little under a minute to play in the third, the Braves went up 35, initiating the IHSAA’s running-clock mercy rule.

Manchester senior Cade Jones made the most of his final quarter in a Squires uniform, scoring seven points on his way to scoring 13. Betten led all Manchester players with 14 and six rebounds. The Squires end the season with a 10-13 record.

BLUFFTON – Facing a tough opening round matchup in IHSAA 2A Sectional 36, the Manchester Squires boys basketball team held their own for about a quarter against the 2A No. 4 Fort Wayne Blackhawk Braves before eventually falling 70-39.

The Squires started the game in good shape, battling the Braves and matching buckets throughout the opening period. Freshman Gavin Betten was as good as he has been all season long, scoring eight first-quarter points to help keep Manchester in the game. The Squires could offer little resistance to Blackhawk’s balanced attack, and struggled even more on the glass. The Braves were able to get whatever they wanted in the second-chance department, allowing them to stay on top 16-13 going into the second quarter.

The second period was a nightmare on both ends for Manchester. Blackhawk would steamroll the Squires to the tune of 20 straight points, getting them in a variety of ways. The Braves combination of made threes and easy transition buckets resulting from Manchester turnovers spiraled into a massive run that left the Squires down big at the break. Manchester would score its first points of the quarter with about a minute left on a three from Gavin Martin, and would head into the halftime break trailing 39-16.

The second half offered little change to the pattern being developed. Blackhawk continued to sink open looks and control the glass, ballooning the lead to over 30 in the process. Betten did his best to keep the Squires in the game, but with a little under a minute to play in the third, the Braves went up 35, initiating the IHSAA’s running-clock mercy rule.

Manchester senior Cade Jones made the most of his final quarter in a Squires uniform, scoring seven points on his way to scoring 13. Betten led all Manchester players with 14 and six rebounds. The Squires end the season with a 10-13 record.

Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Public Occurrences 09.28.24
County Jail Bookings The following people were arrested and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail:

Court News 09.28.24
The following people have filed for marriage licenses with Kosciusko County Clerk Ann Torpy:

Avoid Common Investment Pitfalls Along Your Road To Retirement
Planning for retirement should really start as soon as you get your first real job, but it should continue through each stage of life.

Three Parkview Hospitals Recognized As Quality Leadership Top Performers
Three Parkview Hospitals Recognized As Quality Leadership Top Performers

Lake City Bank’s Leah M. Osborn Promoted To Retail Banking Officer
Lake City Bank’s Leah M. Osborn Promoted To Retail Banking Officer