Altamont Falls To Morton In Season Opener 64-53

On Tuesday night Altamont made the 2.5 hour, 288 mile round trip to Morton for the season opener. The Indians saw the season start our well but ended up in the loss column 64-53.

Altamont started out the game and the season great, on an 11-0 run to begin the new campaign. The Indians played fast, in control, and great defense that caused five Morton turnovers in the opening quarter. Baskets from Mason Robinson, Avery Jahraus, Wyatt Phillips  and Eric Kollmann got Altamont out to the early lead.  Morton eventually got it together and got on the scoreboard as the fouls started to mount for Altamont.  The Potters battled back and had the deficit down to 16-10 after one quarter.

Then in a reversal of fortunes it was Morton adjusting to Altamont style and forced seven turnovers in the second. Not helping matters was foul trouble for Robinson and Kollmann. The Potters would take advantage, go on an 8-0 run and regain the lead and never looked back.  Despite the comeback Altamont kept it close only trailing 26-24 at the half.

Morton would extend its lead after the half with their three pointing shooting catching fire. Especially from Gus Rugaard, who made a couple from beyond the arc and the 6’6 senior Tate Roley got it going in the 3rd as well. Roley was also having some foul trouble in the first half. Morton would pour on 20 points in the quarter to extend the lead 46-37 after three.

In the fourth Roley continued to roll scoring 12 in the second half alone. Altamont tried to keep it close with Jahraus finally getting it going from deep, making three from beyond the arc in the final quarter alone. However after Morton made those first half adjustments and outrebounded the Indians. Altamont never responded and never made adjustments of their own.

Altamont now falls to 0-1 and takes the week off. Indians are back in action next Tuesday at home for homecoming against the Cumberland Pirates.

Altamont Stats

Robinson 16, Jahraus 14, Kollmann 8, Phillips 7, Elam 6

FG  12/41  28%

3 PT  6/14  42%

FT  5/6  83%

Morton Stats

Roley 16, Gus Rugaard 13, Neuhoff 8, Barlow 8, Hurst 6, Gudeman 6

FG  21/45  46%

3 PT  5/13 38%

FT   11/13  84