Pontiac overpowers EPG in battle of unbeatens

EL PASO — Pontiac was able to overcome many play stoppages and a challenging El Paso-Gridley defense to garner a 55-40 nonconference basketball victory Friday at the Titan Center.

Pontiac’s Amazin King splits El Paso-Gridley defenders Owen Adams, left, and Braden Hayes in their basketball game on Friday, Dec. 5. Erich Murphy/Bingo Magic Sports

The middle two periods were key for the Indians as they nurtured breathing room. Pontiac outscored the Titans 17-4 in the second quarter to take a 29-20 lead into the break. Amazin King was the catalyst with nine points in the second quarter.

PTHS came out firing in the second half with a 16-point run to open the third frame. King led a balanced attack in the quarter with six points and Aden Brummel tallied five markers as the Tribe outscored EPG 20-11 for a 49-31 advantage heading into the final lap.

El Paso-Gridley’s Jack Hempstead drives into the lane area against Pontiac’s Cayden Masching in their basketball game on Friday, Dec. 5. Erich Murphy/Bingo Magic Sports

“(It was a) great performance individually by Amazin King and Aden Brummel, sparking their teammates to contribute for an all around good team win,” PTHS Matt Starker said.

El Paso-Gridley was more than a match for the Indians in the first period, outscoring its guests 16-12. Six different Titans scored in the opening period.

Aden Brummel puts up a shot for Pontiac as Owen Adams of El Paso-Gridley tries to defend. Brummel scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the Indians’ 55-40 victory on Friday, Dec. 5. Erich Murphy/Bingo Magic Sports

King finished with 18 points while Brummel collected 14 points and 10 rebounds for a double double for the Indians (5-0). Cayden Masching and Henry DeYoung each scored 5 points and Anderson Horning contributed 4 points and 7 boards. Bryce Robison, Ben Melchers and Evan Wolf scored 3 points apiece.

Braden Hayes hit for 15 points to lead El Paso-Gridley (2-1). Jack Hempstead chipped in 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds while Owen Bergquist tallied 5 markers. Owen Adams had 4 points and was followed by Cha’Von Maxon, Andrik Schippert, Elijah Webster and Nathaniel Hiles with 2 points apiece.