Nolensville basketball topples Spring Hill

By SAM McGAW | Photos by KINDELL MOORE

Despite dealing with the fatigue of playing a third game in four nights, the young Nolensville Knights (8-8, 2-2 District 12-AA) found a way to push back to .500 Friday.

Made up of freshmen and sophomores, the first-year program had four players score double figures to take down visiting Spring Hill 66-53.

“I’ve come to realize playing this many games in a week is extremely more difficult with only freshmen and sophomores,” Nolensville head coach Wes Lambert said.  “It’s not necessarily the physical aspect of it; it’s the mental fatigue. However, I’m really proud of how our guys handled it.”

Sophomore forward Nate Bloedorn scored a team-high 19 points. Most his production came in the paint, as he used his 6-foot-5 frame to his advantage.

“We came in at half really wanting to try to get the ball inside,” Lambert stated. “We had a height advantage and our bigs have been playing well lately.  Our game plan going into the game was inside-out. We kind of strayed away from that.”

Self-inflicted errors plagued the Knights throughout the first half. Despite several miscues, they held a 29-21 lead at halftime.

“We had six or seven walks; just mental errors,” Lambert said. “They’re young and can play three games in a week, but staying mentally focused is what they’ve struggled with.”

Nolensville outscored the Raiders 22-8 in the final frame.

Reese Gilbert added 15 points in the win, while Brandon Wharton and Tim Coutras added 10 points apiece.

Justin Oden led Spring Hill with 18 points.