Photos by Dave Hill
Darian Pittman keyed a second-half rally as Maranatha Christian Academy slowly chipped away for a 71-66 victory over Henry Sibley in the Breakdown Sports Tip Off Classic at Minnetonka High School Saturday night.
The Mustangs trailed by double-digits in the first half, as Henry Sibley successfully hit the offensive boards. At halftime, Maranatha had closed to within 34-27, but it was the second half in which the Mustangs turned up the heat. Pittman scored 14 points after intermission, including a perfect 12-of-12 from the free throw line, while SaVaughn Jordan chipped in with 20 and Jamey Hammond and Isaiah Hanson each added 11.
Adam Huessner was the only double-digit scorer for Henry Sibley, netting a game-high 22 points. Dante Grant (9 points), Jake Goldberg (8) and Brett Ward (7) also hit the scoring column.
Darian Pittman, Maranatha
Pittman, a 5-foot-11 junior guard, was a calming influence on the Mustangs as they rallied from a halftime deficit to beat Henry Sibley, 71-66. Pittman finished with a team-high 21 points, including hitting all 12 of his second half free throws.
Score by half:
Henry Sibley 34-32--66
Maranatha Christian 27-44--71
Henry Sibley: Huessner 22, Grant 9, Davis 8, Goldberg 8, Ward 7, Wills 4, Stafford 4, Bultena 3.
Maranatha Christian: Pittman 21, Jordan 20, Hammond 11, Hanson 11, Eickman 8.