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STILL ON TOP: Mountaineers Outlast Braves 79-64
 GLADSTONE---The Iron Mountain Mountaineers shook off a sluggish start and remained undefeated by beating the Gladstone Braves, 79-64, Monday in Gladstone. The Braves, behind strong first quarters from Cam Ballard and Noah Ballard, had a 16-14 lead before the Mountaineers went back in front, 19-17, after the first eight minutes.  Foster Wonders knocked down a triple and drove the baseline for a lay-up and Jake Dumais went under the basket for two during that run. Iron Mountain led, 38-27, at halftime, then grabbed a 22-point lead in the third quarter as Wonders continued to dominate both inside and out. Marcus Johnson, known for his shooting ability, passed the ball more than he shot, and went to the free throw line numerous times. And Dumais had five straight points during a third quarter spurt. The Braves got a little life as the third quarter buzzer went off when Rane Castor heaved a left-handed desperation triple from well behind the line. It went nothing but net to the delight of the nearby student section, cutting the deicit to 60-47. Gladstone cut it to eleven in the fourth quarter but the Mountaineers went on another 12-4 run to go in front 72-51.  Wonders had 26 points, Dumais 19, and Johnson 13 for Iron Mountain (5-0). Castor led the Braves with 18 points. Noah Ballard added 16 and Cam Ballard had nine as the Braves fell to 2-3 on the season. Click the thumbnails in the ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS box above to see photos and videos, and hear comments from Iron Mountain Coach Bucky Johnson and Gladstone Coach Dane Quigley.  |
