For the Daily Reporter
INDIANAPOLIS — It was a loud and hectic game Friday night, but the New Palestine Dragons found a way to prevail, 67-60, over the Roncalli Rebels.
The game was played in “The Woodshed”, a gym in use since 1962, that is hosting its final year of basketball, as Roncalli will move into a brand-new gym next season. The tight quarters made for an intense game from both sides, and the Dragons were able to utilize a full team effort to secure the victory.
“It seems like every game here is loud and physical,” Dragons coach Trent Whitaker said. “But I like that we were able to experience an atmosphere like that and play so well.”
The game was close throughout nearly the entire contest, as the first quarter ended with the teams tied and the Dragons took a one-point lead into halftime.
Dragons center Kyle King scored seven of his nine points in the half.
“I thought Kyle did a great job tonight,” Whitaker said. “Everyone is really embracing how they can best help the team win and that’s leading to performances from Kyle scoring more than he’s used to.”
Early in the third quarter, it appeared as if the Dragons may be able to pull away, as they began the quarter with a 9-1 run to open up a nine point lead. The Rebels, however, were able to muscle their way back into the game with a focus on getting the ball into the paint.
“They are a very physical team,” Whitaker said. “Roncalli put together a run there to get back into it, but I was happy to see us persevere through that.”
The Dragons, while not building a large lead, were able to maintain control of the game throughout the fourth quarter behind Matthew True (18 points) and Maximus Gizzi (13 points).
With Roncalli looking for a comeback, the Dragons were able to go 8 for 8 from the foul line in the final two minutes to seal the victory.
“Everyone that got in the game played great tonight,” Whitaker said. “To come here and play like this can only be a good sign going forward.”
The Dragons play next Monday at Franklin at 7:30 p.m. in a game rescheduled from today due to impending weather.
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New Palestine 67, Roncalli 60
NP;17;16;14;20;-;67
RHS;17;15;10;18;-;60
New Palestine (8-4) – True 5 6-6 18, Gizzi 4 5-5 13, Romine 3 4-4 12, Eastes 4 2-2 11, King 3 3-4 9, Roudebush 1 0-0 3, Walker 0 1-2 1, Hook 0 0-2 0. Totals: 20 21-25 67.
Roncalli (3-9) – Denney 6 4-4 17, Asher 5 3-6 13, Donahue 2 5-7 10, Brunk 3 0-0 6, Looney 1 2-2 4, Spearing 0 4-4 4, Wors 1 0-0 3, Berger 0 2-2 2. Totals: 18 20-25 60.
3-pointers: New Palestine 6 (Romine, True 2, Eastes, Roudebush 1), Roncalli 3 (Denney, Donahue, Wors 1).
Rebounds: New Palestine 14 (Gizzi, Romine 4, Eastes 3, True 2, King 1), Roncalli 18 (Looney 7, Asher 4, Denney, Donahue 2, Berger, Spearing, Wors 1).
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