NORTH MANCHESTER - Manchester High School's varsity boys basketball team played host to Mississinewa Wednesday, and despite an eight-point lead late in the third quarter the Squires could not hold off a late charge by the Indians, falling 63-57.
Brian Babb came of the bench in the first half to spark Mississinewa and take control of the game early. Babb scored ten points in the half to lead the Indians to the six-point win. Babb finished the game with 10 points and two rebounds."We knew that they would come out and pressure us because they are a smaller team. You have to give credit to Coach Chanse Young and Mississinewa, they just did their job and kept us out of our game," Manchester coach Gary Goshert said.
Manchester shot 8 of 24 from the field and 5 of 11 from the free throw line in the first half. The Squires went into the locker room down 33-27.
"We were hitting the sweet shots early and the basketball would come off the rim. Dan Bourne did a great job for us tonight. We also missed some early free throws that didn't. Shawn Medley did a great job at the free throw line," Goshert said.
Bourne led all players with 24 points, 15 in the first half. He also shot 6 of10 from beyond the arc. He also added six rebounds to the Squire cause.
Medley hit two free throws to cut the Indian lead to 33-29 early in the third quarter. Medley finished with 10 points, including a perfect 6 of 6 from the free throw line.
Spensor Penrod hit two straight three-point shots, including one off a steal and Bourne hit one to lead the Squires on an 11-0 run.
Nathan Halloway hit a two-point shot to complete the run and give Manchester the lead with 4:26 left in the third at 40-37.
"We made some great defensive stops early in the second half. Nathan Halloway came off the bench to give us a great defensive lift. He did a great job stopping Mississinewa," Goshert said.
Manchester went into the fourth quarter with a three point lead at 48-45. David Cable hit a three-pointer to give Manchester an eight point lead at 53-45.
Mississinewa called a time out and then went on an 8-0 run to tie the game at 53-53 with 3:12 left to play.
With 1:25 to play, the Indians took a two point lead at 57-55. Chris Birky stole the ball on the Squires' inbound play and attempted a lay up and Medley was called for an intentional foul on the play.
Birky converted the free throws for a 59-55 lead.
"We made some mental mistakes tonight and we let them back in the game. We will need to work on some things. We have the ability to become a solid basketball team this year with a little more work," said Goshert.
Birky hit 1 of 2 free throws with 32.8 seconds left to put the game away at 60-55.
Shane George led the Indians with 14 points and three rebounds. Derek Little added 10 points and three rebounds.
"We will enjoy Thanksgiving and then we will be back at it on Friday to prepare for Saturday's game," Goshert said.
Penrod added 11 points to the Squire cause. Cable finished with 10 points and seven rebounds.
