In a matchup of two of the top teams in the Southeast Iowa Superconference Lone Tree posted an impressive road win at Hillcrest Union in Kalona taking down Iowa Mennonite School 53-49.

The Lions roared early, starting the game on an 8-0 run with the first six points coming from Niko Gosnell. IMS was able to counter punch and climb back in with Drake Brezina putting up eight points by himself in the first frame, helping to tie the game at 14 going to the second. In the second quarter, Lone Tree turned up the defensive pressure in the full court and turned IMS over early in the frame to build another lead. Iowa Mennonite answered with the long range shooting of Eli Gingerich who knocked down three three’s in the quarter, five total on the night, including one at the halftime buzzer to tie the game at 26 going to the locker room.

In the second half Iowa Mennonite build their first lead of the night, stretching it to as many as five behind guard penetration and layups, going into the final period IMS held a slim 40-39 lead. In the fourth quarter IMS maintained their lead early but Lone Tree leaned on Jovonte Squires, Brock Smith and Niko Gosnell for defense and big baskets down the stretch.

The Lions were led in the win by Niko Gosnell and his 16 points, Brock Smith had 14 and Jovonte Squires finished with 11. IMS was led by Eli Gingerich with a monster 26 point effort, Drake Brezina added a dozen points for IMS. With the win Lone Tree remains in the driver’s seat in conference play at 5-1 in the league, 8-1 overall. IMS falls to 6-3 on the season and 4-2 in the SEISC.