MMC boys handle Hinton, 49-45

HINTON - Tyler Prunty sank two big field goals, and Dylan Spieler added a crucial free throw in the closing minutes to propel the fast-improving Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn boys to an exciting 49-45 victory over War Eagle Conference nemesis Hinton here Friday night.

The Eagles of coach Pat Bird led at all the breaks, but could not expand the lead to more than eight points all the way through. The Blackhawks pulled to within one point at 44-43 with 3:30 left to play, but Prunty and Spiler came through to help MMC grab the win.

MMC led 15-14 after one quarter, 26-24 at halftime, and 38-32 after three frames.

Zach Specht led the Eagles with 15 points, while Spieler tallied 12, and Nate Rassel 10. Prunty totaled 11 rebounds and five steals to accompany his two late beauty baskets. Specht had six steals, and Rassel grabbed seven boards.

Jason Vanderkooi paced Hinton with 18 points, and Brock Babcock tallied 13.

The Eagles made 22-55 field goals for 40 percent, and were 4-10 from the foul line. Hinton meshed 18-43 shots for 42 percent, and was 7-13 from the free throw line.

"I thought this was our best defensive effort of the entire season," said coach Bird. "The boys did a great job of talking and coming for help defense when Babcock got the ball on the block. Zach was able to convert three of his steals into layups, and Tyler's five steals down low really helped control their inside game."

The 12-7 MMC boys host Le Mars Gehlen Friday night.