Sulphur had an opportunity to make it two titles in a row at the annual Charles K. Heatly tournament in Lindsay last weekend, but their third quarter shots in the title game wouldn’t fall and the Dogs lost to the host Leopards, 58-45.
The Leopards, ranked 10th in Class 3A and undefeated at 12-0 on the season, caught the Bulldogs in the second-half cold spell, extended their lead by 10, then slowed it down to preserve the win.
“With it being their home tournament and the championship, we knew it would be a tough battle,” said head Sulphur coach, Grant Bates. “Last season when we played in this game against them, we were able to come out with a victory. This year we just didn’t play as well offensively.”
The Dogs were led offensively by seniors Bridge Barrett, who scored a team-high 20 points and Kale Brakefield with 11.
Lindsay came out of the gate on fire, making their first four outside shots, but Sulphur weathered the storm, and went into halftime down by just four.
“The 3rd quarter was the difference,” said Bates. “We got the looks we needed to get; they just didn’t fall and they hit theirs. We lost the 3rd quarter, 12-18, and they extended the game to 10. They slowed it down in the 4th and maintained that lead down the stretch to win the game.”
Bates said it was a good week of competition for his team, and will serve as a good film session as they head into the remainder of the season.
The Dogs opened the tournament with an impressive, 69-39 win over old conference foe, Plainview last Thursday.
Again, it was Barrett who led Sulphur’s team with a big offensive and defensive performance, scoring 30 points and reeling in11 rebounds. He also had four assists and six steals. He was followed by Eath Sales’ 16 points, and Brakefield’s 10 points.
“A conference opponent we know well was our first-round draw in the Lindsay tournament,” said Bates. “Credit Plainview and their game-plan early. It was tied after the first quarter, but our defensive pressure overwhelmed them in the 2nd quarter. Winning the quarter, 21-5, and creating 10 turnovers was the key to blowing the game open. I thought we played tough and had a good offensive game.”
The win sent the Dogs to the semifinals where they met a good Cache team, and despite foul troubles, Sulphur outlasted the foes, 58-54.
“They have three guards that all did a good job of creating good looks for their team,” Bates said of Cache. “We had some foul trouble issues that I think hindered us from being able to pull away, but we made the necessary adjustments, had role guys step up in the game and came out of there with a win.”
Bates said key in the game was the ability of Sulphur freshman Mavric Lowrance to guard their best player in the fourth quarter and hold him in check.
“He had 25 points through 3 quarters and Maveric held him to just three points in the 4th,” said Bates. “Excellent defensive game by a young guy in a pressure situation.”
Barrett was the offensive team leader with his second consecutive 30-point effort in the win. Cole Kirby also was notable with seven assists.
In a game leading up to the tournament, the Dogs faced off Class 4A’s number 10 ranked team, Ada, on Tuesday, Jan. 6.
It was Sulphur’s toughest test so far in the young season, and they showed some rust after the Christmas break, falling to the Cougars, 74-54.
Barrett led Sulphur with 24 points on the night, but the Dogs could not make enough shots to stay in touch.
“The biggest difference in the game was Ada’s ability to make outside shots compared to us,” said Bates. “We made 26% of our 3’s and Ada made 42%, They also were able to turn us over five more times than them. So they shot it better and won the turnover margin. I thought our execution at times was good, we just didn’t play consistent basketball throughout to make it a complete game. Give credit to Ada, they have a good team and played well.”
After Sulphur’s homecoming battle Tuesday against Silo, the team will head to Byng on Friday to wrap up a busy week of activities.
Lady Bulldogs Bow Out Of Tourney With 2 Losses
Sulphur’s rebuilding Lady Bulldogs won their first game of the season in the Lindsay tournament, beating Duncan, 57-25. Sulphur’s 35-25 lost to Plainview in the second round consolation game was their seventh consecutive loss this season and they now stand at 7-1 on the season.
The Lady Bulldogs hosted Silo on Tuesday, then will travel to Byng on Friday for their next game.
