If Noblesville boys basketball coach Scott McClelland had been in the stands watching the Millers take on Franklin Central Friday night at The Mill, he would’ve had a blast.
The Hoosier Crossroads Conference game between Noblesville and the Flashes was a close one all the way through, then went to overtime, where the Millers were able to pull away and pick up a gritty 69-63 conference victory. Since he was coaching, the contest was a little more stressful for McClelland, but at least it finished in a good way, with a Millers win.
“If you’re a fan, and you’re just a pure basketball fan, you paid your five bucks to get in tonight, you probably enjoyed the game, because it was back and forth, different kids make big shots all night, both teams,” said McClelland.
The Millers led 13-12 after one quarter, with Aaron Fine scoring eight points. Noblesville held a 27-26 lead at halftime and was up 45-43 after three periods; Preston Roberts scored nine in the third quarter.
The Flashes had the game tied at 60-60 with seconds to go in regulation, but a last-second shot didn’t go and it was on to overtime. The Millers outscored FC by a 9-3 margin in the extra period thanks to its foul shooting. Noblesville was 5 of 5 from the line, and baskets from E.J. Smith and Luke Almodovar helped seal the win. Smith’s basket was part of a three-point play.
“We showed some grit, some toughness,” said McClelland. “We were able to make a couple plays, hit our free throws, so I think that was huge.”
Fine and Roberts both scored 19 points for the Millers, while Almodovar added 10. McClelland also praised Smith, who had to deal with the Flashes’ defense during the game.
“He was getting just denied all over,” said McClelland. “He really did a good job of keeping his composure and he made his teammates better. Early because they were so geared on him and late because he took some pressure away from other guys because they were so worried about him, and it freed up some things. It doesn’t show as an assist, it doesn’t show as a made basket, but it was certainly a mature, growing basketball player play. And it made our team better tonight.”
Smith finished with nine points and was 5 of 5 from the line. Roberts made all seven of his foul shots. Seven was a good number for Noblesville: All seven players that took to the floor scored at least two points.
The Millers are 2-1 in HCC play and 7-6 overall. Noblesville’s next game is Tuesday, when it hosts Westfield in another HCC and all-county contest.
NOBLESVILLE 69, FRANKLIN CENTRAL 63
(overtime)
Noblesville FG FT TP PF
E.J. Smith 2 5-5 9 2
Aaron Fine 8 2-2 19 0
Cooper Bean 2 3-4 8 2
Preston Roberts 6 7-7 19 3
Hunter Walston 1 0-1 2 1
Luke Almodovar 4 2-2 10 4
Cameron Karns 1 0-0 2 0
Totals 24 19-21 69 12
Score by Quarters
Franklin Central 12 14 17 17 2 – 63
Noblesville 13 14 18 15 9 – 69
Noblesville 3-pointers (2) Fine 1, Bean 1.