Mitchell Moore had one of those nights Wednesday where there was some kind of magnetic force pulling every one of his shots through the rim. And the magnificent offensive display by the White Pigeon senior wasn’t just for style points; the Chiefs needed every one of his 42 points.
Down 29-22 at halftime, White Pigeon got within a point heading into the fourth quarter and pulled ahead for a 64-59 victory over Niles Brandywine.
Moore finished 11-for-15 from the field for a career high despite picking up a fourth foul early in the fourth quarter and dialing back his aggressiveness on both ends of the floor.
“I mean it was a dogfight,” said Moore, who also had eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and a pair of blocks. “My team really stepped up defensively and on the boards. They helped out great on defense and they fed me and the points were just flowin’ —we were flowin’. They saw that I got hot, got me the ball and next thing I know I’m shooting free throws for my 41st and 42nd point. It was electrifying; everyone was hyped up.”
The win moved White Pigeon to 7-8 overall.
Dylan Hochstetler scored nine points and had seven rebounds, Riley Olsen snared six points, two steals and two assists, David Miller added five points, two board and two steals, and Mike Crowl chipped in a bucket, two boards and three assists.
Chiefs coach Tony Cholometes said each player came away with crucial defensive stops and big shots when needed in a very physical contest. He also believes the team is hitting its stride down the home stretch.
“We are starting to mature as a team and players, but there lies ahead much to accomplish and some mountains ahead,” Cholometes explained. “The plan is that we gel at the right time.”