CHETOPA – When it’s going to be three long weeks before your next basketball game, it’s really nice to head into that break with a win instead of a loss.
Altoona-Midway High School accomplished that goal to close out the December portion of its schedule, as the Jets flew past the Chetopa Hornets 55-27 in a Three Rivers League contest here Friday night.
The lopsided victory gives the AMHS boys a 3-3 overall record heading into the holiday break. Meanwhile, the Lady Jets (1-4), were unable to play Friday because Chetopa did not have enough players due to injury and illness.
The Altoona-Midway squads will now enjoy Christmas break and return to the hardwoods on Friday, Jan. 5, when they host Crest High School. It will be the first home games of the season for the Jets.
“It is always good to get a win, and especially nice to have a win heading into Christmas break,” said Altoona-Midway head coach Dave Vance. “It was a good game for everyone to see some action.”
Indeed, the Jets were never really threatened in the contest, although Chetopa trailed just 15-8 after one quarter. AMHS moved out to a 31-14 halftime advantage, and took a 48-20 lead into the final period, where a running clock led to the 55-27 final.
“We got off to a little bit of a slow start, but then we played fairly well in the middle of the middle of the game to put it out of reach,” Vance noted.
William Stackhouse finished as the top scorer for the Jets, firing in 17 points. Kieran Foster was right behind with 15 points, including four treys in the first period to get the offense rolling.
Meanwhile, the Jets also got eight points apiece from Jacob Meigs and Taj Chism. Rounding out the AMHS scoring were Joey Lamendola with four points, Lane Poeverlein with two, and Kage Beck with one.
On the downside, however, Poeverlein left the game midway in the second quarter after suffering a sprained ankle. Also, the Jets managed to connect on just 10-of-26 attempts from the free-throw line.
“William had a good night from 2-point range and Kieran did well from long range,” Vance said. “Overall, our free throw shooting obviously left something to be desired.”
Chism led the Jets in rebounds, hauling down 10 caroms.
Chetopa, missing their leading scorer Blake Carter due to illness, was led by Harrison Carter’s 10 points. The Hornets also got seven points from Ethan Lawson.
“We will have a few practices over the break to get ready for a tough schedule the rest of the way.,” Vance added. “In the meantime, the Jets players and staff wish everyone a Merry Christmas!”