BY FRED KRONER
fred@mahometnews.com
The Bulldogs extended their winning streak to four games with consecutive Apollo Conference wins to end the week.
M-S traveled to Mount Zion on Friday and returned home with a 71-58 victory.
On Saturday at home, the Bulldogs reached their highest point total of the season, outscoring Effingham 89-81 in a contest that M-S coach Ryan Bosch said “for most of the game, was not as close as the final score.
“We played really well for three quarters.”
M-S carried a 65-51 lead into the final period.
Grant Coleman led the Bulldogs with 31 points, but two teammates were also major point contributors. Eli Warren hit 19 points, including 9 of 9 from the free throw line. Braden Finch chipped in with 18 points.
Luke Koller added 10 points.
“Luke Koller for the second straight game gave us great minutes off the bench,” Bosch said.
Each team made 10 three-point shots in the game.
“I love our kids’ play,” Bosch said. “We were really well balanced, shared the ball and were locked in.
“We’ve played really well over a very tough two-week stretch in which we’ve finished 5-1 with our lone loss being on the road at state-ranked Lincoln.”
Cole Lener had a standout performance with nine assists, seven points, six rebounds and three steals.
Warren finished with eight assists and six rebounds. Coleman sunk 5-of-7 three-point attempts and also had four rebounds and three steals. Zach Carr contributed three assists.
In Friday’s win, Coleman and Koller led the way with 21 points apiece. Koller was 10-for-10 from the field.
“Luke was a huge lift off the bench for us and provided an early spark,” Bosch said. “Grant was guarded very physically and grinded his way to a very efficient night.”
Kobe Essien contributed 10 points.
Lener handed out 13 assists to go with eight rebounds and six steals. Coleman totaled five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The teams were tied 12-12 after one quarter, but the Bulldogs built a 35-26 margin by halftime.
Finch and Warren each chipped in with four assists.
It wasn’t just the players with the most points who drew Bosch’s praise.
“I’d like to highlight Braden Finch, in a poor shooting night, finding a lot of other ways to affect the game with great passing, defense and a few key hustle plays for us,” Bosch said. “And Cole Lener, who has been playing his best basketball of the season, without scoring.
“He again was a monster on the glass and sharing the ball and led our Play Hard Chart.
“We’re playing with real purpose and identity right now,” Bosch added. “Hopefully, we can keep some momentum going with the postseason approaching.”
M-S (15-10) returns to action on Tuesday at home against Urbana.
