After starting the season 0-5, the Niles boys basketball team has turned a corner according to veteran coach Todd Pawielski.

With a 77-55 victory over a nomadic Cassopolis Rangers squad Tuesday night, Niles used its newly formulated defensive tenacity and superior athleticism to win its fourth game in its last five outings.

“We’re finally getting a little rhythm going this season, and we’re getting better in the areas, specifically defensively, that we need too,” Pawielski said. “We got in our press well, created some turnovers, and really kept the pressure on, which allowed us to be as successful as we were.”

As is now customary, senior standout Tate Brawley led the Vikings offensively with 22 points in the contest. Gavin Rasler, Gabe Stokes, and Connor Glick each scored in double-digits for Niles as well.

The Rangers (6-5) played a deceptively strong game despite the final line’s indication to the contrary. Cass was able to rally from down nine points early in the second quarter to knot the game at 19 apiece.

However, the Viking would use a few powerful runs fueled by offensive rebounding and Ranger turnovers to take control of the game and not look back.

“It doesn’t matter what anyone says about their team, their record, or their abilities; but the team we just played Niles, which is a phenomenal basketball team,” Ranger coach Ricky Evans said. “When you’ve got the height, athleticism and hunger those kids played with tonight, you’ll beat most the teams you run up against. We’ll take our licking on this one, but I’m proud of the way my kids hung in there and fought against a Class A school.”

J.J. Smith scored 13 points, Brandon Glover had 12 points and Lynell Ballard chipped in 11 points for the Rangers in the losing effort.

 

Niles 77, Cassopolis 55

NILES 77

Tate Brawley 22, Gavin Rasler 12, Gabe Stokes 11, Connor Glick 10, Jeremy Wortham 7, Matthew Miller 6, Ra’Quan Glenn 3, Adam Langmeyer 2, Donte Murphy 2, Jalen Alexander 2. TOTALS 33 10-17 77

CASSOPOLIS 55

J.J. Smith 13, Brandon Glover 12, Lynell Ballard 11, Vashaun Morgan 9, Travis Edwards 6, Cornelius Glass 3, Noah Woods 1. TALS 22 8-15 55

 

Cass                         6               22            33            55

Niles                        14            33            56            77

3-point baskets: Cassopolis 3 (Smith 2, Glover 1), Niles 1 (Brawley 1). Total fouls (Fouled out): Cassopolis 12 (none), Niles 14 (none). Varsity records: Cassopolis 6-5, Niles 4-6. JV score: Niles 72, Cassopolis 34