New Palestine High School

The New Palestine boys basketball team fell behind early Tuesday and dropped a 66-44 decision at Mt. Vernon. Julius Gizzi scored 27 points to lead the Dragons, who moved to 18-5 on the season and will finish third in the HHC with a 5-2 conference record. The Dragons fell behind by five early, but Gizzi three times hit shots to cut the deficit to three at 9-6, 11-8 and 13-10. MV hit a contested 3-pointer at the end of the first to go up 16-10, launching a 15-3 run that featured three 3-pointers and pushed the Marauders' edge to 28-14. Moses Haynes and Evan Darrah each hit 3-pointers in the frame. Gizzi hit two late free throws to trim the deficit to 32-19 at the half. NP had an open look to start the third, but missed and the Marauders responded with the first of four 3-pointers in the frame, which led to MV taking a 56-32 lead after three. Gizzi scored 10 points in the quarter and Haynes hit a 3-pointer. The Dragons outscored MV 12-10 in the fourth, with Gizzi scoring six. Haynes added eight points, Darrah three, while Brady Armstrong, Alex Guhl and Axtyn Hamblen scored two each. MV was led by Julien Smith and Elijah Parra, who scored 14 each. Luke Ertel tallied 11 and Tanner Teschendorf 10. The Dragons finish the regular season Friday at Greenwood.