The sixth-seeded IMS boys’ basketball team lost to three-seed Boyden-Hull 64-44 in the first round of the class 1A state basketball tournament to finish their season with a record of 22-5, the second-straight season IMS has lost in the quarterfinals.

Chance Miller connected on five three-pointers in the first quarter to carry IMS before he picked up his second foul midway through the second quarter.  Boyden Hull (24-2) took the slim 30-28 lead into the locker room and stretched that lead to eight points by the end of three after holding IMS to 10 points in the third quarter and forcing seniors Miller and Brian Hagedorn to pick up their fourth fouls; Miller would foul out at the 3:54 mark in the final quarter when it was all Comets.  Boyden-Hull outscored IMS 18-6 in the final frame and allowed just 25 points after Miller started the game 5-of-6 from behind the arc to pace IMS to a 19-15 first quarter lead.

IMS shot 44.1% for the game, were out rebounded just 26-23, but the 21 turnovers helped Boyden-Hull grab the third-quarter double-digit lead that they would not relinquish.  The Comets had three players score in double figures, paced by Bryce Moss’ 18.  Taylor Francis poured in 16 points while Brandt Van Roekel scored 15.

IMS had just two players scoring in double digits.  Chance Miller played 20 minutes before fouling out and scored all 15 of his points on five three-pointers in the first quarter.  Cameron Gingerich scored 13.

Boyden-Hull shot 61.1% in the second half, and 54.5% for the game.  The Comets will face the winner of the St. Mary’s, Storm Lake / Lisbon contest on Thursday at 12:15.

Postgame Comments: Chance Miller & Dwight Gingerich