SPARTA — Creating points off turnovers is something coaches enjoy seeing. It lets them know the defense is creating pressure, and the offense is able to work quickly to get the ball into the basket. Both aspects of the game were running full-speed ahead for the Highland High School boys basketball team as it defeated Mansfield Temple Christian, 65-15, on Tuesday.
The matchup began slow for both squads as the Scots (1-1) held a 4-0 lead three minutes into the contest. During the next two minutes, however, things began to click for the Scots, and they quickly broke out to a 14-0 in that span. The trend continued the rest of the quarter, as the Scots built a 23-0 lead going into the second quarter.
“Tonight was a really good team game,” said Highland head coach Mike Hoyng. “The team was in need of a shot of confidence, and I think they got that tonight.”
The Crusaders got on the board early in the second quarter when David Yoder knocked in a 3-pointer. Unfortunately for Mansfield Temple Christian (0-2), its next basket would not come until six minutes later — another 3-pointer — this time from Jacob Bartram. In the meantime, the Scots built a 27-6 halftime lead. Gar Keen finished the half with 15 points.
The Crusaders again got the first poiNts of the quarter to start the third, and they got another basket a few possessions later. Despite creating a few more turnovers, the Crusaders were not able to take advantage, and they fell behind, 56-12, entering the final period.
The Scots took advantage of some fresh legs in the fourth quarter to continue the pressure on the Crusaders, and Mansfield Temple Christian was unable to create any momentum. Highland’s Shane Chapman added six points in the final quarter to help seal the 65-15 victory.
Using a strong defense to create numerous turnovers to get easy baskets helped Highland to its 66 percent shooting on the evening. The team game also came into play, as 10 different players scored for the Scots.
“I was really pleased with our chemistry tonight,” said Hoying. “We’ve been practicing really hard, and things are coming together for us. I think we’ll be a very competitive team this season.
“The good thing tonight is that we stayed focused the entire game. We challenged them to execute the entire game, and they did a good job of that. They were really steady out there tonight.”
The Scots were led by Keen, who finished the night with 23 points. Chapman added 12 points and a pair of rebounds. Bartram led the way for the Crusaders with seven points.
Highland also took the junior varsity game, winning 58-13.
Highland will return to action Friday as the Scots head to Mount Gilead. That game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. junior varsity start.
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