By RICHIE HALL
NOBLESVILLE – The Noblesville boys basketball team couldn’t have asked for a better start to its season.
The Millers cruised to a 76-38 victory over Hamilton Heights Wednesday at The Mill. Noblesville played in front of a packed crowd and put on a show, leaping out to a big first-quarter lead, then extending the lead even further in a dominant fourth quarter.
“Good first win,” said Millers coach Scott McClelland, who is back for his fourth season as Noblesville coach. “Like I just told the kids, getting the first one out of the way is always important and always nice. But I think the other things you learn from a first game is, you find out you got a lot to work on.”
The Millers sailed through the opening period and finished with a 21-4 lead. Justin Curry, one of several key players back for Noblesville, scored seven points, including a 3-pointer. Returners Baron Walker and Adam Fine also both 3s as well.
The Huskies challenged the Millers in the second and third quarters, although Noblesville extended its lead in the second period to go up 40-19 by halftime. Gavin Saunders was a bright spot for Heights in that quarter, pouring in 10 points, including two triples.
“I though the Heights kids really competed and battled that we couldn’t get away from them there for a while,” said McClelland.
Walker scored six points for the Millers in the second period, and he matched that amount in the third quarter. Both teams put up 17 points in the third, so Noblesville went into the fourth quarter up 57-36.
The Millers ran away with the fourth period, outscoring the Huskies 19-2. T.J. Davidson threw in a 3 as part of eight points in that quarter. Davidson and Curry tied for leading-scorer honors with 17 points each.
Noblesville’s balance was solid, as Ryan Vetor and Walker added 15 points each. Aiden Brewer, another returning player, helped out with seven points. Curry led the rebounds with seven and Vetor pulled six. The Millers were 10-of-18 from 3-point range, with Curry and Walker both nailing three triples each.
“Anytime you got four in double figures and three other guys that score, that’s always encouraging,” said McClelland. “The guys shared the ball and made some extra passes and shot the ball pretty well from the outside.”
Saunders finished as Heights’ leading scorer with 15 points and collected six rebounds. Dreydin Serna had nine points.
Noblesville plays at Franklin Community Saturday afternoon, while Heights hosts Clinton Central on Tuesday.
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