By BROOKE APPLE

The Delphos Herald

MILLER CITY — The Miller City Wildcats hosted the Jefferson Wildcats as both boys basketball teams were looking for their second win of the weekend.

The Wildcats of Delphos were able to play hard enough to overcome the Wildcats of Miller City with a score of 62-42.

Jefferson came out strong after losing the jump ball as they completely outscored Miller City. Jefferson drained three 3-pointers in the first period; Miller City could only tally a total of six points. Both teams handled the ball well in the first period as there was only one turnover. It came down to who could shoot the best and stay out of foul trouble. Jefferson shot 64 percent from the field; Miller City 30 percent. Jefferson went into the short break with a 17-6 lead.

“A double-weekend win is great; we were able to come out after defeating a league rival and be ready to play again. We dominated the game,” stated Jefferson coach Marc Smith.

In the second quarter, Miller City came out playing a little stronger but still not strong enough to take over Delphos. Jefferson kept playing with intensity and not giving up even when they struggled with their shots and getting rebounds. Only 19 shots were taken from the field in the period as the turnovers increased some; at the half, Miller City had seven to Jefferson’s two. Jefferson had a total of 10 rebounds going into the break to go along with their lead of 30-10.

“We played with great toughness as they are starting to believe in the program and the system. We are starting to fill our roles and really have a chance to be a really good ball club,” noted Smith.

Miller City came out even stronger in the third, finally outscoring Jefferson in a quarter. The hosts began to force more turnovers and hit more shots  and Jefferson started to struggle a little more. Josh Miller had some key boards for Delphos and his three putbacks helped them keep their lead — 44-26 — going into the final period. Jefferson shot better from the field in this period but Miller City made more of their foul shots to outscore Jefferson 16-14.

“We handled the ball, rebounded and played hard to help get the win. I’m not satisfied yet, though, as we have the ability to be a good basketball team and just need to start showing it a little more,” said Smith.

At the beginning of the final quarter, both teams were in the bonus with fouls. Rusty Lammers came off the bench to score a quick five points for Miller City. Jefferson converted on 10-of-13 foul shots in the fourth; Miller City only converted on 2-of-5.

“Miller City plays a tough schedule, beating premiere teams in Division IV and defeating Ottoville at Ottoville last night in overtime. We will have to work on getting ready for Allen East and Arlington next week and come out strong again,” added Smith.

Jefferson (7-4) is at Allen East on Friday. Miller City (5-7) and will play at Fort Jennings Friday.

In JV action, Miller City prevailed 43-35. Miller City was led in scoring by Rusty Lammers with 15; Jefferson received eight points each by Logan Bonifas and Jonah Stemen.