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By -Kristy Dotson

IMS opened the Southeast Iowa Super Conference Tournament destroying New London 73-33, Nov. 30.

Head Coach Dwight Gingerich was pleased with his team’s performance.

“I was pleased with our efforts at the defensive end and on the boards. It was good to see our offensive balance.”

On the defensive end, sophomore Nolan Yoder ripped down six rebounds. Senior Chuck Miller grabbed five boards.

Senior Adam Yoder busted the zone for 15 points. Senior Shawn Slaubaugh also connected for two three pointers.

Senior Luke Gingerich contributed 11 points and four assists while senior Jace Bailey added nine points and three steals.

According to Coach Gingerich, one of New London’s big man quit the team and another player also missed the game making things much easier for IMS.

IMS grabbed a big lead early and at half-time led 44-17.

“Defense and good ball movement against the New London zone keyed the win,”said coach Gingerich.

Senior Clint Miller dished out six assists to lead the IMS offense.

This win advanced IMS to the second round of the conference tourney where they defeated Waco 65-46.

After jumping out to a 19-10 lead early in the second quarter. IMS watched Waco cut into the lead as the Warriors scored seven straight to make the score 19-17. Bailey hit a shot off a rebound to give IMS a 28-23 half-time lead.

IMS controlled the second half as IMS outscored the Waco 31-13 to lead 59-36 with three minutes left.

“Waco played very hard and gave us some defensive looks we hadn’t seen or worked against in practice.”

Coach Gingerich was happy with the way his team adjusted.

“Although there were too many turnovers, the effort was there and the defense got it done for us.”

Gingerich and Bailey led the IMS attack both scoring 19 and 18 respectively. Bailey also grabbed nine boards. Gingerich was close behind with six.

Gingerich and Slaubaugh dished out five assists.

IMS defeated Central Lee in the third round of the conference tourney, Dec. 4.

IMS jumped out to an early lead 16-6 after the first quarter before running into foul trouble. Three IMS starters spent a majority of time on the bench.

Central Lee’s aggressive defense forced IMS to turn the ball over. The Hawks got within three points with two minutes left in the third period.

IMS held on strong and regained control of the game. IMS outscored the Hawks 14-4 to lead 51-38 with five minutes remaining. At the end of the fourth quarter, IMS defeated Central Lee, 61-51.

“Central Lee is capable of causing a lot of problems with their scrappy play and it took us a little time to respond the way we needed to.”

Yoder led the offense with 19 points while Gingerich and Bailey added 11 points. Bailey led the defense with eight rebounds.

“I was pleased with the fact we persevered.”

Bailey and Slaubaugh both fouled out of the game.

IMS plays Keokuk Cardinal Stritch, who defeated Winfield-Mt. Union in the semi-final of the tournament.