McNary 56, Sprague 49: Top Performers
In a gym at McNary high school full of enthusiastic fans from both sides, the Celtics remained undefeated in Mountain Valley Conference play with a hard-fought 56-49 win over rival Sprague on Thursday night. Two big runs by McNary at…
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Continue ReadingIn a gym at McNary high school full of enthusiastic fans from both sides, the Celtics remained undefeated in Mountain Valley Conference play with a hard-fought 56-49 win over rival Sprague on Thursday night. Two big runs by McNary at the start and end of the game made the difference, with junior wing Nate Meithof leading the way as he has all season long.
The Celtics opened up the game on a 13-1 run and it was actually done so without much contribution from Meithof as he picked up two early fouls and was forced to the bench. The rest of the Celtics picked things up by committee as they went deep into their bench and multiple guys were able to contribute towards a 26-17 halftime margin.
Sprague fought back behind their senior guards Mason Lomax and Kobe Withers and stormed ahead in the third, 39-34. But with Meithof back in full force the Celtics responded. With five minutes left in the game and the game tied at 41, Meithof drove in the lane and converted a circus-shot layup while being fouled for the traditional and-one and a three-point lead. That led to a 9-0 run that was enough of a cushion as McNary never looked back.
As impressive a game as Meithof had in the second half, he got plenty of help from the rest of the team as ten Celtics players scored. “A couple of guys stepped up today just like they have in other games,” said McNary head coach Ryan Kirch. “Teams are focusing so much on Nate (Meithof) that our other guys are playing with confidence and that’s been really noticeable in the last two or three games.”
Top Performers
Nate Meithof (2021 McNary) – Stats: 19 pts, 14 reb, 5-14 fg, 0-4 3pt, 9-9 ft
Things started off slow for Meithof as he picked up a couple of early fouls and only had two points at halftime. But in the second stanza, things picked up. He didn’t have his jumpshot going but he took it strong to the hole, finishing with both hands, and used his length while contorting his body to get the ball off from different angles. When fouled, he knocked down the free throws. In the end he finished with a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds in what basically was another usual night at the office for him. We caught up with Meithof after the game and will have an update posted soon.
Mason Lomax (2020 Sprague) – Stats: 21 pts, 8 reb, 7-22 fg, 0-5 3pt, 7-8 ft
Lomax certainly didn’t have the greatest shooting night and it really started off pretty dismal as he was 0-6 in the first half. But the 6-foot-2 guard started getting things going attacking the basket and finishing at the cup with both hands. Lomax has the athleticism and strength to get into the lane, absorb contact, and complete plays whether it’s putting the biscuit in the basket or drawing fouls. Defensively he also did a pretty good job with staying with Meithof and forcing him into tough attempts. Lomax noted that he’s still hearing from college programs but may be focusing on going the JC route.
Kobe Withers (2020 Sprague) – Stats: 12 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl, 5-13 fg, 2-5 3pt
Like most of the team, things started off slowly for Withers but really kicked up in the second half. The 6-foot guard has one of the shiftiest dribbles around as his crossover moves constantly keeps defenders off-balance, allowing him to either pull-up for his mid-range jumper or take it strong to the hole. Withers knocked down a couple of catch-and-shoot open threes as well.
Dallon Morgan (2022 Sprague) – Stats: 11 pts, 6 reb, 5-10 fg, 0-2 3pt, 1-1 ft
The game plan seemed to be get Morgan the ball early on and the 6-foot-9 tried hard to set up shop down low. When he did get the ball posting up, he was able to turn and shoot a half-hook easily over his smaller defender and do so with a soft touch. In the second half, Sprague went to more with their guards attacking the basket so Morgan didn’t get the ball as much but he did have a key tip put-back near the end when the Olympians were making a run.
Jando Gonzalez (2023 McNary) – Stats: 3 pts, 1-8 fg, 1-5 3pt, 3 reb
Gonzalez didn’t put up huge numbers but what impressed us about the 5-foot-5 freshman was his handle. He capably handed the rock against Sprague’s on-the-ball pressure getting the ball up court, and then setting up the offense. While he only hit one shot, he got some good looks and his release and form looks to be pretty consistent. And while he didn’t rack up many assists, Gonzalez did a good job of keeping the ball moving in the half court.
Zane Aicher (2022 McNary) – Stats: 6 pts, 3 reb, 2-3 fg, 2-2 ft
Aicher is undoubtedly a role guy for McNary but it was more than his raw numbers that stood out on Thursday night. Despite standing only 5-foot-10, his defensive assignment was Morgan who had almost a foot of height on him, and the sophomore more than held his ground. The Sprague big man was able to turn and shoot over him a couple of times, but Aicher was able to box out and keep him off of the boards, especially on the offensive end.
Seth Shortis (2021 Sprague) – Stats: 5 pts, 5 reb
Shortis was Sprague’s top guy off of the bench and was the only reserve to actually score. The 6-foot guard provided a ton of energy and motor on both ends of the floor, knocking down a three and converting a tough bucket on the break.