The lead fluctuated between five and eight points the rest of the half and midway through the third period. It was a 30-25 score when Gavin Addis connected on a three that started another scoring surge. Joey Niebrugge had a pair of baskets and Garrett Gaddis added a shot from long range, as the Shoes ended the quarter on a 9-1 run to open a 14-point cushion, 40-26.
“It did go back-and-forth for quite a while,” Reeder noted. “We finally made a couple shots in that third quarter. Joey kept attacking the rim and Garrett and Gavin made a couple big threes. And we executed our secondary offense very well. I thought it was the best we have all season.”
A basket by Tyler Pruemer and a free throw from Joey Niebrugge gave the Shoes their biggest lead of the game, 45-30, with 2:42 left in the game. The Spartans managed to trim the gap to 10 points, 45-35, but Gaddis and Mitch Koester combined to go 8-for-8 from the foul line in the final 93 seconds to secure the win.
“St. Joe was averaging 65 points and we held them to 40,” Reeder said. “Containing No. 5 (Smith) was a key. He’s strong and quick. But we did a good job of keeping bodies in front of him.
“Limiting their paint scores was also a key,” Reeder added. “That’s where they thrive. They feed off scoring in the paint. But we held them to 18 points in the paint.”
The Shoes switched defenses multiple times during the game, going from man-to-man to zone in the halfcourt to a full-court trap.
“We were trying to wear them down,” Reeder explained. “We didn’t want to give up any easy baskets, but when you trap, that’s going to happen a few times. Overall, I thought we played very well defensively.”
Joey Niebrugge turned in a strong game for the Shoes. He had a game-high 18 points and a game-high eight rebounds. He also had four assists and two steals. Gaddis was also in double figures with 12 points.
“Joey is slowly but surely doing what we need him to do,” Reeder said. “He’s been more aggressive and is attacking the rim. He’s really come alive and is a big part of our turnaround.”
The Shoes improved to 12-5 on the season. They will return to action Saturday at home. It will be a big day for Wooden Shoes Nation. T-Town will host Tuscola, the No. 2 team in Class 1A, plus festivities are planned to celebrate the 100th season for the Teutopolis boys basketball program.
“I can’t wait for Saturday,” Reeder said. “It’s going to be a special day.”
