Powers’ three lifts Fremont-Mills to win in regular season finale

Jaeger Powers’ three-pointer as time expired lifted Fremont-Mills to a 49-47 victory over Nebraska City in a out-of-conference boys basketball tilt last Tuesday in Tabor.

The win was the Knights’ second straight dramatic win after a 57-49 overtime victory over Clarinda the night before.

“Overall, our boys competed and made plays when they needed too,” said Fremont-Mills coach Steve Raymond. “After the night before we came out flat and played that way for most of the game. We got some energy going with our press and some big plays by Jaeger, Nate (Laughlin) and Mason (Vanatta) that got us going.”

A big blocked shot by Austin Gartner set up the Knights late, trailing 46-47. After missing both free throws that could have put them ahead, Fremont-Mills got the ball back with seven seconds remaining.

Raymond called for Vanatta to drive hard to the basket with the Knight shooters spread out on the perimeter. Vanatta found Powers and the junior sunk the game-winner as time expired.

Defensively, the Knights’ pressure turned the game their way, Raymond said.

“We are starting to do a better job of rebounding on both ends,” he added. “We are also doing a better job of valuing possession of the ball and not turning it over. I feel like these close games have made us battle tested for the postseason. I look forward to see what our team can do.”

The Knights (14-8 overall, 9-3 in the Corner Conference) are off until Feb. 15 when they face Exira/Elk Horn Kimball ton (11-6) in the Class 1A, District 14 opener. Tip off is set for 7 p.m. at Council Bluffs St. Albert.

Fremont-Mills 57,
Clarinda 49 OT

Fremont-Mills out-scored Clarinda 12-4 in overtime to carry the Knights to a 57-49 victory over the Cardinals last Monday.

“We did a great job of executing all facets of the game,” said Fremont-Mills coach Steve Raymond. “We got off to a slow start, but really got things going at the mid-point of the first quarter.”

The Knights trailed 26-22 at the half but out-scored the Cardinals 23-19 in halftime to force overtime. In the extra-frame, Fremont-Mills went on a 12-4 run to pull out the win.

“I give Clarinda a lot of props because they played hard and competed hard,” Raymond said. “We went into the OT with some momentum and executed from there. We did a great job of executing the small details and played some good fundamental basketball. We were really good on the defensive end and made them uncomfortable with our pressure.

“This game made me feel like we are really improving and bringing some good momentum into the post season.”
Mason Vanatta led the Knights with 18 points. Cooper Langfelt chipped in 12 points and seven rebounds.