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Gorilla sophomore Jaden Graber #22 passes off to eighth grader Rane Kenzy #5 who added six points against Jones Co. Forward Daniel Mitchell collected 62 points and 31 rebounds during the match-ups against Scotland and Jones Co. (Photo by Kristy Ring)
Gregory 46 Scotland 33
The Gregory Gorillas played at Scotland on Friday, February 12, and defeated the Highlanders by a score of 46-33.
The Gorillas held a 28-12 halftime lead but found themselves in some foul trouble early in the second half. The Highlanders cut the lead down to nine points at the quarter break as the Gorillas mustered just 4 points in the third quarter.
The Gorillas took control of the game midway through the fourth quarter and were able to get the 46-33 win.
The Gorillas were led by Daniel Mitchell with 24 points and 11 rebounds and Cruz Klundt added 12 points and 6 assists.
“We started out very well and then had a tough time scoring in the third quarter. Once we got through the third quarter we were able to get back on track,” said Coach Determan.
Gregory is 8-9 after the win.
Gregory 71 Jones Co. 45
The Gorillas hosted their final home game of the regular season on Saturday, February 13, when they defeated Jones Co. 71-45.
Gregory got off to a fast start and led 15-4 after one quarter, but the Coyotes came storming back with an impressive 24 point second quarter as the Gorillas held a narrow 32-28 lead at halftime.
“We played well on both ends in the first quarter, but gave up some easy baskets in the second quarter,” said the coach.
Gregory turned things around in the third quarter where they took control with a 52-39 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Gorillas were in control the entire quarter and came away with the win.
“We have been a little inconsistent finishing quarters and games and we did a good job of closing the game out,” continued Determan.
Daniel Mitchell had a big night with 38 points and 20 rebounds. Cruz Klundt poured in 14 points and had 8 assists while Gannon Thomas hit two big threes and finished with 6 points. Rane Kenzy added 6 points as well.
Gregory is 9-9 on the year now.
Gregory 69 Bon Homme 49
The Gregory Gorillas defeated the Bon Homme Cavaliers on Friday night, February 19. by a score of 69-49.
Leading 19-15 after one quarter, the Gorillas took control in the second quarter behind some hot shooting from behind the arc. The Gorillas held a 37-22 lead at halftime.
The Cavaliers didn’t go away in the third quarter as they out-scored the Gorillas 16-15, but Gregory pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat the Cavs in the final SESD conference game of the year.
Daniel Mitchell led the Gorillas with 36 points and 11 rebounds and Rane Kenzy had a career high 17 points. Cruz Klundt just missed a triple double with 8 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Gregory improved to 10-9 on the year.
Gregory 40 Highmore/Harrold 56
The Gorillas dropped their final regular season game on Saturday, February 20, in Highmore.
The Pirates out-scored the Gorillas 21-6 in the first quarter to extend their 28-24 halftime lead.
“We had a difficult time executing on both ends. They hit some big shots, including a buzzer beater at the end of the third quarter that deflated us a little,” commented Coach Determan.
The Gorillas didn’t go away in the fourth, but weren’t able to overcome the big deficit.
Daniel Mitchell led the way again with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Cruz Klundt and Carson Klundt chipped in with 9 points and 5 points respectively.
The Gorillas close the regular season with a 10-10 record and will start postseason play next week.
