FREDERICKTOWN — In another epic battle Friday, it was Fredericktown that was finally able to impose its will on Highland.
The teams had another battle, but Fredericktown was able to take control in the second half and post a 52-37 victory in the boys basketball opener for both teams at Fredericktown.
“In the first half, we were definitely playing their game. We were doing what (Highland) Coach (Mike) Hoyng wanted us to do,” said Fredericktown coach Mark Delaney. “I told them at half to continue to press and, hopefully, we’d get some opportunities. We were able to get some turnovers, speed things up and start attacking the basket.”
The Freddies scored the first six points of the game in less than two minutes, but then the game turned into a typical Highland-Fredericktown slugfest. Defense was the ruling party as it took more than three minutes for another point to be put on the board.
Fredericktown finally got a couple of steals, finishing with layups to take a 15-6 lead after the first quarter.
“I think it was more the fact of us not attacking the right position,” said Highland coach Mike Hoyng. “Obviously, they have good people that can apply the pressure, but we did not attack the basket in a real good flow. I think that’s a tribute to their quickness and speed. We’ve got to adapt and get better at that.”
Highland was able to get some offense going in the second quarter, but two big three-pointers from Michael Miller helped the Freddies remain in control. A 7-2 Highland run to end the quarter kept the Scots within striking distance.
