Nick Gonnella
The South Decatur boys basketball team inched closer to that ever-elusive first win of the season Monday night, but could not close the door on Jac-Cen-Del at home.
The Cougars fell to the Eagles 68-56 in a game South had an early lead.
Junior Grant Niese led his team to a 20-18 edge after the first quarter, thanks to recognizing frequent opportunities to attack inside and score in the first half. He scored 11 in the first quarter and 16 before the break.
“He did a great job of calling for the ball and our kids did a great job of getting it to him,” said Hartwell. “We felt like they couldn’t guard Grant.”
Niese turned in a team-high 24 points, a season’s best for him and for the team.
South shot 15-for-35 (43 percent) inside Monday, but just 5-for-16 (31 percent) from beyond the 3-point arc. Hartwell said he would have liked to have seen South (0-15) attempt closer baskets and at least draw fouls to give itself better chances to score.
“We were too eager to get outside shots in the fourth, instead of going inside or drawing fouls,” he said.
Hartwell credited the Eagles (9-5) for sealing the deal offensively in the second half, particularly the fourth quarter.
“They got rebounds, came out in transition and scored on us,” he said.
JCD’s Spencer Purdy finished with a game-high 25 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter alone.
“They shot the ball real well, and kids will have those nights,” added Hartwell. “Purdy really hurt us.”
JCD outscored South 25-14 in the fourth quarter.
Hartwell noted that his squad plays better at home than as the visiting team and wants to see the Cougars change their road play.
“We have to be able to play on the road,” he said. “We have to make sure that you get a good effort on the road.”
Following up Niese’s effort was senior Taylor Wilkerson with 16 points. Junior Jordan AmRhein scored six points, while sophomore Tyler Ewing added five. Freshman Dustin Huff tallied three, while senior Ryan Mote added two.
“We did a great job of converting at the free throw line,” said Hartwell.
Although he noted South’s offensive inconsistency and struggles to convert scores, he remained positive about his team’s performance Monday.
“I’m just really pleased with our kids’ efforts,” he said.
South next travels to Mid-Hoosier Conference foe Waldron Thursday night, with the junior varsity tipping off at 6 p.m. The Cougars stay on the road a week from Friday to play another MHC game against Edinburgh.
South’s game against Medora that was postponed Jan. 8 has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 23, according to Hartwell.
Scoring By Quarters:
JCD - 18 15 10 25 - 68
SOU - 20 15 7 14 - 56
The Cougars’ junior varsity squad fell to JCD 33-25 in the first game. Michael England led South with six points. Sam Johnson followed up with five. Scoring four apiece were Cody Wamsley and Chris Johannigman, while Josh Schwering and Kyle Cunningham scored three apiece.
