Golden Hawks drop game to North Cedar

The Mid-Prairie Golden Hawks boys’ basketball team lost to the North Cedar Knights 63-66 at Mid-Prairie Monday, January 18. This was Mid-Prairie’s second conference loss of the season. A slow start and only one free throw in the game led to the loss.
North Cedar outscored Mid-Prairie 18-8 in the first quarter, and at one point in the second quarter, the Golden Hawks were down by 13 points. Score at halftime was 23-34.
The Golden Hawks came roaring back in the third quarter, besting North Cedar 22-13, and trailed by just two, 45-47, going into the last quarter.
The Knights fell behind at the beginning of the fourth quarter, but they still managed to outscore the Golden Hawks 19-18 for a three-point victory.
“I was extremely proud of our players for their effort after getting behind by 13 points in the second quarter,” said Mid-Prairie coach Don Showalter.
“The difference of the game was free throws as North Cedar hit for 20 of 30 and we made one of nine free throws.  It is hard to win games getting out shot from the free throw line by 19 points. 
“The other factor was not getting the loose balls on the floor – we probably had a chance to get five or more loose balls that were on the floor, but North Cedar ended up with (them) and scored. 
“I thought Dylan Hochstetler played his best and most aggressive game of the year as he battled 6’7” Brian Hansen all night and limited him to only two points. 
“Quinn Hollan also played a strong game against 6’6” Jordan Hey. 
“North Cedar used a box in one against Tanner (Miller), and this seemed to give us some problems but Michael Aldeman finally found his touch and hit some big shots that got us a six-point lead early in the fourth quarter. 
“I thought Robby Mostek also played well coming off the bench.”
Mid-Prairie had balanced scoring with four players in double figures, Hochstetler, Miller, Hollan, and Michael Aldeman. Hochstetler led the team in rebounds with 10.
Mid-Prairie stats: Mark Aldeman 4 0-1 8, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 6 assists; Michael Aldeman 5 0-0 14, 4 3-pointers, 1 rebound; Kaleb Duwa 3 0-3 6, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assist; Dylan Hochstetler 5 0-3 10, 10 rebounds; Quinn Hollan 4 0-0 10, 2 3-pointers, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 5 assists; Tanner Miller 6 1-3 13, 4 rebounds, 2 assists; Robby Mostek 1 0-0 2, 2 rebounds, 6 assists; Aaron Smit 1 rebound.