Morristown tames Twisters at historic Hoosier Gym

KNIGHTSTOWN— Oldenburg Academy started slow against Morristown Saturday afternoon and it only got worse from there.

The Yellow Jackets led 14-6 early in the second quarter then put together a 19-0 run that carried into the third quarter and the Twisters did little damage after that.

Played at historic Hoosier Gym in Knightstown, Morristown improved to 9-4 with a 66-35 rout of Oldenburg Academy (5-7).

The Twisters missed 26 of 27 first-half shots and committed nine turnovers which led to several fast-break opportunities for the Yellow Jackets, who had eight first quarter points at the rim.

“Early on, for us getting out in transition and getting some easy buckets really kind of got us going in the right direction,” said Morristown head coach Cory Kreiger. “Defensively, we made them take some out-of-rhythm shots that we could rebound and get in transition.”

The Yellow Jackets led 14-5 at the end of the first quarter. A Conner Holder free throw early in the second quarter cut the deficit to eight.

Morristown continued to be efficient at the rim in the second quarter, scoring five consecutive field goals from close range.

Oldenburg Academy, who lost to South Ripley less than 16 hours earlier, did not convert a shot in the second quarter and fell behind 29-6 at the half.

“It’s something we’ve focused on throughout the season and it’s something we struggled with early on, maybe getting a little too sped up,” said Kreiger of his team’s desire to push the pace. “The guys are doing a good job working on a weakness for us. We are seeing the dividends now.”

Morristown’s lead grew to 44-10 before Jack Freeland and David Koch made consecutive shots that ended a 30-4 run.

Brayden Anderson and Kellen Crim each scored 16 points to lead Morristown. Brody Smith finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. 

Jake Miesse came off the bench and contributed seven points, six rebounds and three assists.

“This was a great team win for us. We continue to get better when guys continue to get better and do their jobs and play within themselves,” said Kreiger. “I think Jake has done a fantastic job this season getting more comfortable with things. He had a great week for us with 13 points against Knightstown Thursday and then today with a great performance.

“That speaks to him and really all of our guys that come in every day working and buying into our team basketball and the goals that we have.”

Freeland led Oldenburg Academy with eight points.

Morristown is at North Decatur (5-8) Friday for a Mid-Hoosier Conference clash. The Yellow Jackets host Brown County (3-10) Saturday night.

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