LINDEN — North Montgomery was able to get their first win of the season Saturday by defeating Indianapolis Manual 63-45. The winning recipe included both good defense and balanced scoring.
Four Chargers scored in double digits led by senior Kolton Scrimager’s 18 points. Senior Logan Kelly and freshman Jarrod Kirsch scored 13 apiece. Junior Jakob Kirsch scored 12.
“It helps build confidence when you hit shots,” Charger coach Chad Arnold said. “We found a way to get a win.”
The Chargers defense allowed the fewest points of the season. Arnold said he was pleased with the defense but still saw areas that need improvement.
“We are getting better on defense but we still have to tell them where to get at times,” Arnold said. “We are getting there and it is way better than when we started.”
North Montgomery (1-5) jumped out to a 14-8 lead in the opening quarter spurred by Jakob Kirsch’s three treys. The Chargers expanded their lead to 31-19 at intermission.
Manual (3-4) cut the lead to single digits early in the third quarter, however North Montgomery responded and led 43-35 at the end of the quarter.
The Chargers outscored Manual 20-10 in the final period to earn the 18 point victory.
Manual was led in scoring by sophomore Treveion Moore’s 14 points and Jaishuan Edwards’ 10 markers.
Arnold said the win was good for his players and coaches.
“It is great to get a win and I am happy for our players,” Arnold said. “We have had some good practices lately and they have been working hard. Hopefully (the win) will make it better for them and we will continue to get better.”
The Chargers are off until 7 p.m. Friday when they travel to county rival Crawfordsville to play the Athenians in the opening round of the Sugar Creek Classic. Arnold is fully aware his team will have its hands full in the game. Since the first meeting between the rival was postponed before Christmas, the game will be counted for County Chase points, conference and tournament game. The junior varsity teams will tipoff at 6 p.m. Friday.
“Crawfordsville is a great team and the game is going to count for a lot,” Arnold said. “But, we can only worry about ourselves. To beat a good team like Crawfordsville, we have to keep getting better.”
