Lions, Jr. Lions split road wins against CMS Eagles

Trio hoopsters ‘The Smith Duo’ Blake Smith, Ian Smith leads scoring in double-figures with Wesson’s double-double shines for Bismarck

HOT SPRINGS — Before the Thanksgiving holiday break, the Bismarck Lions and Jr. Lions spit a pair of victories on the road Monday against Cutter Morning Star to display two classic match-ups in senior and junior high boys basketball competition.

JUNIOR HIGH BOYS COMPETITION Overtime Jr. Lions 52 CMS Jr. Eagles 51

To tip-off the first competition of boys hoops, the Jr. Lions went into overdrive and prevailed 52-51 in overtime against the CMS Jr. Eagles. For the game, Jr. Lions’ Andy Martin outshined all competitors for a historic night and dropped a season-high 31 points as the overall top-performer in double-figures. Following Martin was Preston Hughes and Joseph Porter both adding six points apiece, Ben Keithley finished with five points, Lucas Chapman chipped in two points and Noah Smith and Jaylon Ashcraft each contributed one key point apiece at the charity stripe.

SENIOR HIGH BOYS COMPETITION Lions 46 CMS Eagles 49

In the featured nightcap match-up, for senior high boys action the Lions coasted down to the wire with the Eagles throughout their battle.

In the first half, the Lions only had a twopoint deficit 15-13 to end first quarter play—but the Eagles sparked to outscore Bismarck 19-11 in the second quarter.

At the break, the Eagles held a slight 10-point spread over the Lions, 34-24. In the second half, the Lions roared impressively on both ends of the court—outscoring the Eagles 32-14. In the fourth, the Lions’ defense held CMS under double-digits—but unfortunately the second quarter would be the difference factor for Bismarck’s tough three-point defeat to the Eagles.

For the game, the Lions’ Smith connection— Blake Smith and Ian Smith with Beau Wesson led Bismarck for a triple-threat of double-figure scoring performances. Blake Smith led with 18 points, snatched six rebounds and had two steals—while Ian Smith dropped 17 points and grabbed five rebounds. Wesson posted an impressive double-double of 10 points, 10 rebounds and dished out two assists.

UP NEXT

The Lions are scheduled to return to the hardwood facing Harding Academy in the opening round of the Carlisle Invitational Tournament—which tips off Monday, November 29.

Then Tuesday, the Jr. Lions with the Lions return home to host Mount Ida at the famous Holt Gymnasium in Bismarck.