The Macomb High boys varsity basketball squad opened the 2026 portion of its schedule this week on a winning note, notching road victories against Mercer County and Beardstown.
“We are starting to do a better job of executing at both ends,” said MHS coach Jeremy Anderson. “And our attention to detail is improving.”
On Jan. 6 at Aledo, the Bombers used strong first and third quarters on the way to defeating the host Golden Eagles 47-35.
Macomb used a pair of 3-pointers from Carter Havens and a third trey by Kellen Martin on the way to taking a 16-11 lead after the initial eight minutes.
The scoring pace slowed in the second period as both teams scored seven points, leaving the Bombers with a 23-18 halftime lead.
MHS pulled away in the third quarter as Nick Elbe and Nolan Hoge combined for 11 of Macomb’s 15 points. That helped the visitors build a 38-27 advantage heading into the final frame.
Elbe topped Macomb with 12 points, 11 coming in the middle periods.
“Starting around holiday tournament time we have been getting a bice scoring contribution from our post players,” said Anderson. “Nick Elbe had another nice game against MerCo.”
Hoge alo reached double figures, adding 11 while Drew Watson chipped in nine.
Havens finished with eight points, followed by Martin with five and Cooper Hobson with two.
Brady McPeek topped Mercer County (8-6) with 19 points.
“Overall, our team defense has been solid,” said Anderson. “Mercer County’s leading scorer (McPeek) got 19, but we were able to hold everybody else to six or under.”
On Jan. 9, the Bombers headed to Cass County, flying out to an early lead on the way to notching a 53-29 win, upping their record to 11-6 on the season.
Macomb took control in the opening stanza as Hoge scored nine points, helping the Bombers build a 14-5 lead after the first eight minutes.
Elbe scored six of Macomb’s 11 points in the second period. But the defense also played its part, allowing just five points as the visitors flew into intermission with a 25-10 advantage.
MHS added 14 points in the third period, including eight by Watson as the lead grew to 39-13 entering the final frame.
Hoge led three Macomb players in double figures with 13 points. Watson added 11 points and Martin 10 for the victors.
Elbe added six points, followed by Havens with four. Hayden Katz, Collin Adams and Zacarion Conley all sank 3-pointers in the fourth quarter in chipping in three points apiece.
“We were able to get everyone a lot of playing time against Beardstown which will help our depth of experience later on,” said Anderson.
Colby DeSollar topped Beardstown (2-13) with nine points.
The Bombers return to action this week with road games at Sherrard (11-4) on Tuesday and at The Shoebox in Monmouth on Friday against Monmouth-Roseville (6-8).
The next home game for Macomb will be Jan. 20 when the Bombers host Canton.
