Standings atop the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North got even tighter Saturday evening as the Iowa Mennonite School boys’ basketball team (6-3 overall; 6-2 SEISC) won a clash with the Lone Tree Lions (7-2 6-2 SEISC) at Lone Tree High school.

IMS had six players score in double figures, led by senior forward Payton Miller’s 14 points in a 67-61 victory over Lone Tree. Senior guard Danny Lam contributed 12 points and brought down a season-high 14 rebounds in the win. IMS boys’ basketball coach Dwight Gingerich says the victory helped get his team back in the hunt for a conference championship. “Now we have Highland, Lone Tree and us all atop the standings with two losses in the league.” Gingerich said, “There is some real balance in the conference and this is a really good win for us after a tough loss to Washington last Saturday.

Lone Tree held IMS to 26 first half points as they held an eight-point lead at halftime. IMS outscored Lone Tree 41-27 in the second half to get the victory. The Lions were led in scoring by senior guard Nick Viner, who had 20 points in the setback.

The win improves IMS to 6-3 overall and 6-2 in Southeast Iowa Super Conference North play, while the loss drops Lone Tree to 7-2 overall and 6-2 in conference competition.