Late surge powers Midlakes past Albion

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 December 2023 at 9:57 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s John Eibl puts up a shot against Midlakes defenders Kaiden Ranger (14) and Kyle Kumkey during the Purple Eagles loss to the visiting Screaming Eagles this evening.

A clutch scoring burst over the last three minutes  earned Midlakes a 58-48 win over Albion in a non league boys basketball game this evening at Albion.

Breaking away from a 47-47 tie, Midlakes closed with an 11-1 run, including 8 by Kyle Kumkey, to claim the win.

Kumkey scored 16 in the decisive final period and 25 of his game high 31 in the second half to lead the Screaming Eagles which also got 14 on the night from Jackson Nurse.

Blake Preston scored 14 and Kyle Radder 10 to lead the way for Albion as Seth Krenning added 6, John Eibl and Tyler Cody 5 and Wesley Olles and Auston Johnson 4 each.

Albion jumped out to a 15-9 first quarter lead as Radder hit a pair of threes and Eibl had a three-point play.

Midlakes though answered back with a key 14-4 run to close the second period and grab a slender 28-26 lead at the half.

The Screaming Eagles maintained a narrow two point, 37-35, lead at the three-quarter mark as Kumkey netted all 9 of the points in the stanza.

Albion regained the lead for what proved to be the last time at 44-43 on a three by Preston with 4:30 remaining in the final period.

The Purple Eagles stayed even at 47-47 on another three by Preston a minute later but could not regain the lead as Midlakes answered with a decisive 11-1 run to close out the win.

Albion’s Tyler Cody puts up a rebound shot for a basket as he is fouled by Nicholas Curran of Midlakes.

Cleveland Hill 45, Roy-Hart 38
Jumping out to a 13-0 lead at the outset, Cleveland Hill went on to defeat host Roy-Hart 45-38 this evening in the Rams non league season opener.

Jackson Webber scored 12, on four threes, Rem Albee 10 and Dan Aquilina 7 for Roy-Hart which trailed 16-14 at the half and 39-30 after three-quarters.

Girls Basketball
CSAT 46, Barker 25
Rachel Sutter scored 10 and Cole Carnes 7 for Barker in the Lady Bulldogs 46-25 non league loss at CSAT.