The Milford basketball teams finished a new holiday tournament with runner-up finishes Dec. 30.
The Eagles played at the Lincoln Christian Holiday Classic Dec. 29 and 30. The girls’ team (6-4) defeated Nebraska Christian 38-29 and lost to Lincoln Christian 60-20, while the boys (2-7) topped Nebraska Christian 76-47 and fell to Lincoln Christian 62-49.
The game started to click for the Eagle boys against Nebraska Christian, Coach Mitchell Marvin said. MHS limited its turnovers to 12 and delivered 18 assists, led by Reice Stutzman with five.
“You have to see the opportunity and take it,” Marvin said.
Isaac Roth and Landon Roth each reached double figures in scoring with 22 and 20 points, respectively.
The Eagles saw a new-look Crusader team in the final, as LCHS had a couple transfers become eligible, Marvin said. He was pleased with Milford’s defense but said there are still some gaps to fill.
Landon Roth led the team with 16 points, and Gavin Piening added 14, which Marvin was happy to see.
The girls’ team held Nebraska Christian to its lowest output of the season, Coach Bryce Roth said. MHS did a good job handling the NCHS press and finished the game with just 10 turnovers.
“Overall we did a good job,” Roth said.
Izzy Yeackley paced Milford with 15 points, and Ayla Roth added 13. Addi Mowinkel grabbed 10 rebounds and made a big three to help Milford get separation in the second half, the coach said.
He said the fourth quarter was key for Milford. Although MHS didn’t score a lot, it was able to shut down the Nebraska Christian offense to pull away.
Lincoln Christian the next day was a buzzsaw, Coach Roth said.
“They are as advertised,” he said. “They had an epic night.”
LCHS’s Kena Ailes was 6-6 from three and finished with 26 points.
Milford spotted the Crusaders a nine-point lead to start the game and trailed 18-5 after the first quarter. After that, Coach Roth said, MHS was able to settle down.
Coach Roth said the Crusaders’ pressure sped the Eagles up a bit.
“We got frantic and rushed shots,” he said.
Yeackley led the team with 10 points and made the team’s only three pointers.
Milford will be back home Friday, Jan. 5, to host Malcolm at 6 (girls) and 7:30 p.m. (boys) and will be at David City Saturday, Jan. 6, to play the Scouts at 1:15 and 3 p.m.
