Mooresville Athletics

The MHS Boys' Varsity Basketball team dropped a 73-55 decision to New Palestine High School on Feb. 21, despite a strong fourth-quarter effort. MHS came out competitive in the opening quarter, trailing just 13-12 after the first eight minutes. New Palestine extended its advantage in the second quarter, outscoring MHS 15-8 to take a 28-20 lead into halftime. The third quarter proved pivotal, as New Palestine put together a 23-point period to create separation. MHS battled throughout the final frame, putting together its best offensive stretch of the night with 22 fourth-quarter points, but the deficit was too much to overcome. MHS shot an efficient 45.7 percent from the field and connected on 72.7 percent of its two-point attempts (16-of-22). However, the team struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 5-of-24 three-point attempts (20.8 percent), and went 8-of-16 (50 percent) from the free throw line. New Palestine shot 52.2 percent overall and was especially effective from three-point range, knocking down 11-of-22 attempts (50 percent). They also converted 14-of-21 free throws (66.7 percent) and held a 20-15 edge on the defensive glass. MHS finished with 7 assists and 5 steals, while totaling 26 points in the paint and 7 offensive rebounds. New Palestine capitalized on key opportunities, scoring 15 points off turnovers and adding 13 transition points.