The Sulphur Bulldogs went 1-1 in basketball action last week, beating Silo at their home away from home in the OSD gym, but lost in overtime at Byng three days later.
The Bulldogs overwhelmed Silo, 79-42, on homecoming night last Tuesday by using a good transition game in the second half to cruise in for the victory.
Sulphur was led in scoring by Bridge Barrett’s 25 points and 12 rebounds, followed by Ethan Sales’ 16 points and 3 assists, and Maveric Lowrance’s 10 points and 3 steals.
Head Sulphur coach Grant Bates said Silo was 9-2 coming into the game and typically shoot really well from the perimeter, but the Dogs made it difficult for them from the three-point line most of the night.
“I thought the seniors did a really good job of leading throughout the game and keeping us motivated to keep stacking good possessions on both ends of the court,” said Bates. “Ultimately, our ability to get out in transition and make quick plays in the 2nd half was too much for them. Won the 2nd half by 25 points.”
Against Byng, the Dogs won most of the battles, but lost the war, falling in overtime, 67-57.
Sulphur fought their way back and led by nine points with just a few minutes left in regulation play, but the Pirates sank a 30-footer at the buzzer to extend the game and eventually pull ahead for the win in overtime.
Bates said his team won most of the statistical categories throughout the game, but gave credit to the Pirates. “They are a solid team with a lot of guys that do different things well,” he said.
Sulphur’s Garin Watson catches a pass and looks for an open player in Friday night’s game at Byng. PHOTO BY DON COFFEY
Hailey Beesley, right, works for position as the Lady Bulldogs took on Byng last Friday. PHOTO BY DON COFFEY
Jayden Lee, left, tosses up a shot in the Lady Bulldog’s game at Byng last Friday. PHOTO BY DON COFFEY
Lady Bulldog Brilee Peters, left, drives to the basket in a game against Plainview in the Charles K. Heatly Classic tournament in Lindsay. Editor’s note: Brilee was incorrectly identified in this photo in last week’s issue. PHOTO BY DON COFFEY
Basketball
The Dogs pulled ahead by nine points with just a few minutes left in the game, but had two starters foul out, then followed that up by struggling from the foul-line when they tried to burn clock.
“We were unable to close it out with free throws (50% in the 4th quarter from the fouline), and they made some well-timed shots one at the buzzer with no time left from 30 feet to extend to OT and ultimately win the game,” he said. “It was a tough loss but it will be a good film to learn about closing games. I thought we fought hard in a tough environment, just didn’t close well against a talented team. We look forward to use this game as a growing point for us.”
Barrett once again led the Dogs in scoring against the Pirates with 32 points and four assists followed by Colten Cole’s 10 points and nine rebounds.
Sulphur’s next action will be this weekend at Washington in the Rocky Clarke Invitational tournament on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. In girl’s action last week, the Lady Bulldogs lost to Silo last Tuesday, 48-31, and to Byng on Friday, 47-33.
Assistant head coach, Peyton Row, said despite their record, the team is growing and improving as they begin their rebuilding process.
“This season has been an incredible experience getting to know these girls,” she said. “They have shown consistent growth and improvement every single day through their hard work, resilience, and positive attitudes. Despite the challenges they have faced—including not having a gym for three years and navigating multiple coaching changes—they continue to show up, compete, and give their best effort every day. Their determination and commitment to the program speak volumes about their character. We are excited to continue helping these girls grow and develop for the future, and we truly could not ask for a better group of athletes to coach.”
Brackets, above, show teams and match-ups in this weekend’s Rocky Clarke Invitational basketball tournament in Washington.
