Eagles' struggles continue in 62-45 loss to Southmont

GREENCASTLE -- In their first back-to-back game of the season, South Putnam faced off against a fired-up Southmont boys' basketball team Saturday night.

The Eagles came out on the losing end of the game, falling 62-45.

The Mounties high-pressure defense held the Eagles close to scoreless in the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter the Mounties were up 17-4.

The Eagles didn't give up, though -- they came out and outscored the Mounties 15-6 in the second quarter.

Coming out of halftime they got even closer. On an inbounds play, junior Rob Gibson took the backdoor pass for a layup. That made the score 23-21.

That was the closest South Putnam got to the Mounties on the night. From there, the Mounties went on a 16-point run to stretch the lead to 39-22.

Chadd complimented South Putnam on their tenacity to claw their way back into the game.

"We had a good, solid third quarter," said Chadd. "The first half we did a good job of forcing turnovers."

It was those turnovers that ultimately made the difference in the game -- South Putnam committed 44 turnovers compared to Southmont's 16.

Leading the way for the Eagles was senior Brayden Freeman with 20 points. Four three-pointers in the second half helped to add to his total. He was followed by Rob Gibson, who had 13 points.

Southmont guard Austin Burton had 21 points on the night. Trent Murray and Brayden McKinney also scored double figures with 15 and 11.

After being a little dissatisfied with Saturday's night defensive effort, Chadd said his team needs to concentrate on it this week.

The Mounties will face Western Boone Friday.

"We are going to have to get better before then they are a solid defensive team," said Chadd.

The Eagles face Rockville on Dec. 22 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

At South Putnam

Individual Stats:

South Putnam -- Freeman 20, Gibson 13, Varvel 8, Stanton 4. Totals: 15-39 FG, 5-13 3PT, 10-12 FT, 45 TP.

Southmont -- Burton 21, Murray 15, McKinney 11, Thomas 7, Overpeck 4, Rash 2, Rhoads 2. Totals: 24-62 FG, 6-20 3PT, 8-12 FT, 62 TP.Í