ALTAMONT – The Altoona-Midway Middle School boys’ team traveled to Altamont for a Mineral Belt League contest Monday afternoon, and the host Eagles came out victorious 38-18.
However, all was not lost as the Jets rallied after the game to secure a 10-4 win in B-team action. In the main feature, AMMS once again got off to a slow start, as was the case in their season opener the previous week.
“For the second game in a row, we dug ourselves a hole in the first quarter,” noted Altoona-Midway coach David Batzer. “Their bigs were very active and we didn’t have an answer. We also struggled with the full-court press to start the game.
“In the second half, we switched up our defense and that helped us keep pace and we were even able to cut the deficit by a few points,” Batzer added. “I loved our intensity in the second half. The boys never gave up.”
Altamont jumped out to a 12-2 lead in the first quarter, and expanded their advantage to 26-4 at halftime. The Jets played a much better second half, actually outscoring the Eagles 14-12 over the final two periods.
Chance Carter had a big game for AMMS, finishing with nine points and nine rebounds. Carter was three- for-four from the free throw line and added a couple of blocked shots.
Chance Mustain also had a nice outing for the Jets, chipping in seven points and five rebounds. Mustain was perfect in two chances from the charity stripe. However, the only other points for the Jets came on a fourth-quarter basket by Zach Good. “Before the game, I challenged each of the boys to focus on one area to improve on, and they responded to the call admirably,” Batzer noted. “In addition, our free-throw percentage is light years ahead of last year, and we had much fewer blown assignments on defense compared to last week. We continue to take steps in the right direction.”
Altamont was led by Sage Buntin, who poured in 13 points, all in the first half. Brayden Carson and Eli Nash added six and five points, respectively, for the Eagles. In the two-quarter B-game, Caden Sicka found his groove by hitting three jumpers, while Eliot Ard’s defensive intensity led to several steals and a couple of layups, propelling AMMS to a 10-4 victory.
“Our B-team played really well tonight,” Batzer said. “Despite being worn out after playing four quarters, the boys didn’t let that slow them down.”
AMMS (0-2) will try to get in the victory column Thursday when they host Oswego. Tip off is slated for 5 p.m. at Milo Peterson Gymnasium.