IMS First Defeat

by Dwight Gingerich
IMS’s undefeated season came to an end on Saturday at the hands of Keokuk, as the Chiefs defeated the hosts in overtime by the score of 55-52.  Keokuk survived an IMS shot for the win at the end of regulation, and went on to outscore IMS 6-3 in the overtime to gain the victory.
The game was tight throughout, as Keokuk led 9-8 after one period and 28-24 at the half.  A Chance Miller three at the buzzer brought IMS within 40-39 after three periods, and set up the hard-fought finish.
Keokuk had a 44-42 lead at the six-minute mark, before IMS knotted the score at 46 with four to play.  IMS then took a 48-46 lead with two minutes to play, and led 49-47 at the one-minute mark.  Both teams struggled to convert from the line and both teams turned the ball over late.  Keokuk tied the game from the line with 15 seconds to play and following a time-out, IMS played for the last shot, which was just off the mark.
Keokuk’s David Dahl connected on a three early in the extra period and IMS could not answer until too late, as the shots did not fall.
Chance Miller scored 16 points and Truman Shetler netted 14 for IMS.  Jackson Brokaw added seven points, Ethan Gingerich had six, and Brian Hagedorn scored five points.  Shetler had eight rebounds and Hagedorn pulled down seven.  Brokaw and Gingerich passed for six and five assists, respectively, and Shetler and Brokaw each had a pair of steals.
Coach Dwight Gingerich said, “It was certainly there for us to put the game away in regulation, but it didn’t work out that way.  This game provides us with a great opportunity to improve, and that is our goal at this point.  Keokuk played a great game and hit tough shots at key times.  We relied on our perimeter shooting a little too much.  When they go in like they did the night before, it’s fine, but when they don’t, it’s tough.”
IMS drops to 10-1 on the season.