Efficient North Putnam bounces back in win over Monrovia

BAINBRIDGE — A Saturday game after a tough Friday county matchup is always tough on a team.

The North Putnam Cougars came ready to play, shooting over 50 percent from the field and a stellar 14-of-16 from the charity stripe, to pull away from Monrovia in a 67-50 victory in boys’ basketball action.

The Cougars came out with a hot hand, hitting four three pointers in the opening quarter, from four different shooters as Nolan Hackleman, Brady Barber, Nolan Augusta and Kaden Helderman all drained one from behind the arc.

The hosts were very efficient from the field, shooting 60 percent to open the game. They also were 3-of-4 from the foul line to out score the Bulldogs 19-12.

Monrovia wasn’t playing poorly and hung around in the second quarter. The Bulldogs would hit three from behind the arc this time, including two late in the half, to pull them within four at the break.

At the same time, the Cougars were still scoring, just not getting to the line, as the lead shrank to 32-28.

In the second half, North slowly began to stretch out the lead.

After a three from Helderman, the Cougars were back up nine. They also became very patient on the attack, which created opportunities getting to the basket and the foul line, hitting 7-of-8 foul shots in the quarter.

Late hoops from Isaac Pickel and Barber boosted the lead to 11 going into the final quarter at 50-39.

Hackleman and Barber continued attacking the rim as the former put in 11 points in the final quarter, and, next thing you knew, it was a 17-point lead.

A basket from Jaylen Windmiller and four late points from Barber sealed the deal as the Cougars went on to the 67-50 win.

“Monrovia does some different things defensively. I was really proud of our guys and how we responded. They became more aggressive, we were being patient and finding the openings and stayed on the attack,” Cougar coach Vince Brooks said.

Hackleman led the scoring on the night with 22 points. Barber finished with 16 and Helderman also had 15 in a balanced attack.

“When you can get that third guy scoring, it makes for a tough match up,” added coach Brooks.

The Cougars also dominated the boards, winning that battle 24-10. There was balance there as well. Pickel and Windmiller each had six, with Barber grabbing five. North Putnam will get to take a quick break before two conference games next week with Cloverdale and Brown County, both at home.

Team Stats

Individual Stats

Scoring — (NP) Hackleman 22, Barber 16, Helderman 15, Pickel 7, Windmiller 4, Augusta 3; (M) Tharp 15, Rahn 12, Ha. McCloud 11, Jones 6, Hale 6

Rebounding — (NP) Pickel 6, Windmiller 6, Barber 5, Helderman 3, Hackleman 1, Augusta 1, Query 1, Kramer 1; (M) Tharp 3, Najera 2, Hale 2, McCloud 1, Jones 1