MIDDLETOWN — Locked in a back-and-forth battle through three quarters, the Middletown Mustangs used a 24-point fourth period to knock off the St. Helena Saints 65-51 in a North Central League I interlock varsity boys” basketball game on Friday night in Middletown.
Both teams are fighting for their respective league titles this season — Middletown (13-8) in the Northern Division of the NCL I and St. Helena (15-5) in the Southern Division.
“They took care of the ball tonight,” Middletown coach G.J. Rockwell said of his players. “We only had eight or nine turnovers.”
Locked in a 41-38 struggle with the Saints through three quarters, the Mustangs quickly added to their lead early in the fourth period.
“They (Saints) came out in a 2-2-1 press and we shredded it for eight quick points,” Rockwell said.
Bo Sheffer recorded a handful of his team-leading 11 assists during that time, according to Rockwell.
“A lot of that was on the press break,” Rockwell said.
Luke Humphrey scored nine of his season-high 21 points in the fourth quarter, hitting three of his five 3-pointers in the period. Sheffer tallied seven of his eight points in the quarter.
“Those two guys stepped up big,” Rockwell said.
Another factor for the Mustangs was Nick Dellia with a season-high 15 points as well as 12 rebounds.
