Keokuk over IMS boys

by Coach Dwight Gingerich
IMS suffered its first loss of the season at Keokuk Saturday, as the Chiefs held off a fourth quarter surge to take the 63-53 win.  After IMS and Keokuk exchanged leads through the early going, a three at the buzzer gave Keokuk a 15-13 lead after one quarter.
Keokuk then outscored IMS 24-14 through the second period, to lead 39-27 at intermission.  The Chiefs continued to control the game through the third quarter, outscoring IMS 16-8 to gain a commanding 55-35 lead going into the fourth quarter.  IMS then made it’s move.  Playing with a higher level of defensive intensity and better offensive execution, IMS outscored Keokuk 18-8 in the final period, but the damage was done.
IMS was led by Jesse Ney with 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.  Ethan Gingerich had three steals to go with 10 points, including 7-8 from the line, and Danny Hershberger added eight points and five rebounds.  
IMS could not overcome a great shooting night for Keokuk, as the Chiefs lit it up for 64 percent from the floor, including 57 percent from behind the arc.  Keokuk was led by post player Jordan Warren’s 23 points.
Coach Dwight Gingerich said “this game has a chance to really help our team.  We saw how important it is to execute on every possession at both ends, and when we finally were able to do that in the fourth period, it obviously helped us a great deal.  Games like this are very good for both coaches and players, to help us take that next step as a team.”
The loss drops IMS to 10-1 on the season.