By Staff
The Niles varsity basketball team scored eight points in the final minute to pull away from Sturgis and earn a 44-34 victory Friday night.
The win marks the first time Niles has had back-to-back victories this season and lifts the Vikings' overall record to 3-9.
Niles committed just five turnovers in the entire game and just eight fouls, sending the Trojans to the line for only two free throws.
Sturgis made more 3-pointers than two-point field goals but could not keep up with Niles in the fourth quarter as the Vikings scored 16 points to pull away for good.
Brian Ketchum paced Niles with 15 points and five rebounds. Nate Parks added eight points and three assists. Marcus Lawshea and Kelby Jemison each scored seven for the Vikings.
Niles hosts Class B No. 2-ranked Marshall Tuesday night.
Niles…….44
Sturgis….34
Niles: Karyce Pulliam 0 0-0 0, Scott Quaye 0 0-0 0, Marcus Lawshea 2 3-4 7, Dane Ford 0 0-0 0, Ivery Cross 0 0-0 0, Kelby Jemison 2 2-2 7, Nate Parks 4 0-0 8, Paul Wreggelsworth 0 0-2 0, Nick Etzcorn 2 1-2 5, John Kessick 1 0-0 2, Brian Ketchum 5 5-6 15. Totals: 16 11-16 44
Sturgis: Zach Gentile 3 0-0 9, D.J. Lindeman 2 1-2 5, Patt Hall 2 0-0 5, Josh Roberts 0 0-00, Bo Felt 2 0-0 5, Jeff Kolzow 2 0-0 6, Tim Smoker 1 0-0 2, Cody Back 0 0-0 0, Kevin Kurzan 0 0-0 0, Dillon Webb 1 0-0 2. Totals: 13 1-2 34
Niles 7 6 15 16--44
Sturgis 6 12 10 6--34
3-point shooting: Niles 1 (Jemison), Sturgis 7 (Gentile 3, Kolzow 2, Hall, Felt). Team fouls (fouled out): Niles 8 (none), Sturgis 12 (none). Team records: Niles 3-9