Eagles drop game to Eminence

Monday, January 8, 2007

By CAINE GARDNER

Sports Writer

EMINENCE -- Fouls were the name of the game Saturday night as the South Putnam Eagles fell to the Eminence Eels, 60-58, in a game where more whistles were blown than baskets made.

Despite the large amount of fouls called, 56 in total, the Eagles gave the Eels all they could handle in the second half of play.

South came charging back from a 12-point half time deficit to pull to within four points at the end of the third quarter. Ben Anderson kept the Eagles on pace, scoring four points early in the quarter and Ben Parker ended the quarter hitting one of two free throws to bring the Eels' lead to four points.

The fourth quarter started with one of the numerous fouls that were called just eight seconds into the quarter. Eminence started to quarter with three quick points as Bobby Stinson hit a two and Tyler Adkisson hit one-of-two free throws.

South's scoring was started by Michael Neese who hit two free throws. Noah Boswell, who was a big presence in the paint, hitting on two free throws to bring the score to 41-35 in favor of the Eels.

The Eagles refused to let Eminence run away with the game as the went on a run, scoring on its next four possessions. Derek Cash, Conor Frame, and Neese were the players providing the firepower.

Eminence stayed out front on the strength of Justin Smith and Aaron Moss. Moss scored eight points in the final quarter and was the one who kept the Eels in front.

The Eagles chopped away at the lead when Neese hit two free throws and Adam Hammond drained a bomb from downtown,pulling the Eagles within three.

After a timeout, South caused a turnover on the Eels inbounds pass and gained possession with :17 seconds left in the game. The Eagles decided to go for a quick two as Neese drove to the basket but missed, giving possession back to Eminence.

Smith hit one-of-two free throws for the Eels and built the lead to four with only :10 seconds remaining in the contest. South scored a quick two and hope to get the ball back, but the game ended with Eminence holding the ball and holding off the Eagles.

The Eagles kept the game close in the opening quarter and saw the quarter come to a close looking at a three point Eminence lead.

The second quarter saw the Eagles gain their only lead of the game when Parker grabbed a rebound and put it up and in.

But Eminence was quick to respond as Moss hit a two to give the lead back to the Eels and closed the half on a half-court shot that found nothing but the bottom of the twine.

In the JV game, South Putnam defeated Eminence, 37-33, in overtime.

South Putnam will next travel to Greencastle this Friday at 7:30 p.m.

At Eminence

South Putnam (58) - Parker 9, Neese 12, Cash 5, Boswell 6, Parker 13, Hammond 3, Frame 6, Sebanc 4, Tomaw 0. Totals FG 19-40 FT 16-24 TP 58.

Eminence (60) - Moss 16, Shupe 2, Smith 18, Adkisson 15, Stinson 7, Lockwood 2. Totals FG 23-50 FT 10-28 TP 60.