Hall’s 27 not Enough at North Mahaska

NEW SHARON – Kaden Hall did all he could to help his team upset North Mahaska Friday, but late turnovers disrupted the rally. North Mahaska went on a 25-9 run in the final quarter to score a 65-44 South Iowa Cedar League win. 

Hall had an impressive line with 27 points, 12 rebounds, five steals and a blocked shot. Reese Bender tried to keep the Bears rolling hitting a 3-pointer along with one from Hall, but the NM defense would not let them get good looks.

“We played good defense tonight and was able to get the steals,” said North Mahaska coach Seth Streebin.

Hall hit a pair of free throws at the close of the third quarter with no time on the clock and then was fouled in the first 20 seconds of the fourth and hit one more to cut the NM lead to 40-36. Chase Grandia hit an inside jumper, Nash Smith nailed a jumper from 12 feet before Lane Harmon netted a trey to push the lead to 47-36. Harmon then stole the ball just across half court and Braden Steel rushed down for a bucket.

On the next trip of the floor, Hall flushed a 3-pointer and was fouled then scored the rare 4-point play to give new life to the Bears. It went away just as quickly with three consecutive steals and buckets by the Warhawks.

“I am glad to see Hall graduate,” said a smiling Streebin. “He’s a great basketball player and has always had good games against us. He has quick hands and is able to find his way to the basket.

“Those steals were big. We didn’t do well at the line so needed the lead.”

North Mahaska was just 30 percent at the foul line with 6-of-18. English Valleys went to the line nine times hitting seven.

English Valleys falls to 11-8. They will face Lone Tree (5-13) at Lone Tree Monday then will open Class 1A tourney play by hosting BGM at 8 p.m. North Mahaska improves to 14-4 and will travel to Eddyville Monday to take on South Central Conference champion Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont before opening tourney play by hosting Wayne of Corydon on