Staff report
CONNERSVILLE — The New Palestine boys basketball team made their push on Saturday, but it wasn’t enough to chase down No. 20 Connersville.
The Dragons (4-15) cut the host Spartans’ lead to four points in the first half and stayed within eight points in the second. Yet, Connersville responded with several key runs to win 61-47.
Jalen Qualkinbush led the Dragons with a team-high 14 points as New Palestine cut an early 12-0 deficit down to 15-7 and 24-20 before halftime.
Gavin Hausz finished with 13 points for New Palestine while Maximus Gizzi added 12. Matthew True had seven points.
Grant Smith led all scorers with 25 points and Beau Isaacs chipped in 17 points for the Spartans, who improved to 20-1.
The Dragons host Hoosier Heritage Conference rival Mt. Vernon on Friday before traveling to Whiteland on Saturday.
