In the final home game of the season, the Maranatha boys basketball team defeated Floyd Lighthouse Academy 65-52, in a hard fought contest in Randall. It was the second win for the Mustangs over Floyd this year, after dropping a game to them early in the season. The Mustangs started out strong, building a 16-10 first period lead which they never surrendered. Maranatha had trouble containing 6’ 5” Andrew Gibson in the first half, as Gibson racked up 14 first half points. Floyd narrowed Maranatha’s lead to 3 just before halftime, but a three-point shot at the buzzer by Ian Nichols gave the Mustangs a 38-32 halftime margin. Gibson ran into foul trouble in the second half, fouling out in the fourth period, while adding only 2 second-half points.
In the fourth period the Mustangs increased their point margin, ending the game ahead by 13. All three games with Floyd Lighthouse Academy this year were decided by 16 points or less.
Leading the scoring for Maranatha were Ian Nichols with 20, David Parkinson with 19, and Taylor Adolphson and Matt Bruce both with 11 points. Zach Miller and Quentin Hoffman both scored 2 for Maranatha. Rebounding leaders were David Parkinson with 11, and Zach Miller and Taylor Adolphson with 4 each.
“This was an excellent way for our seniors to end their home careers with a convincing win against a strong team. Both our boys and girls teams had excellent seasons this year,” said Maranatha administrator Bill Nichols. The Maranatha boys closed out the year with an 11-6 record and the Lady Mustangs ended with a 9-5 record. It was the first season for Maranatha’s girls basketball program.
Complete video of the game between Maranatha Christian Academy and Floyd Lighthouse Academy played at Randall, Iowa.