LaPlata Bulldogs Take Novinger Championship

LaPlata Bulldogs Take Novinger Championship

By David Sharp

   First and third quarter defense helped lift LaPlata to a 55-42 win in the boys’ championship game of the 2007 Novinger Tournament. The defending Class 1 third place Bulldogs doubled the score on Brashear (4-1) during the first quarter. The Tigers rallied with a 13-4 second period run, knotting the halftime score at 22.

   “We didn’t handle the ball and make good decisions on offense in the third quarter,” said BHS coach Sara Williams. “We need to run through our offense and work for better shots. We had to foul in the fourth quarter to get the ball back. Credit to them, they hit their free throws.”

   Dusty Baker and Jesse Schroeder led the Bulldogs on a 15-4 run to a 37-26 lead after three periods of play. Brashear trimmed the deficit back to four and six points in the fourth quarter, but LaPlata sank pressure free throws and won by a 55-42 margin.

   LaPlata went 12-16 from the charity stripe on the night. The Bulldogs sank all 12 of their made free throws in the final eight minutes. Dusty Baker scored a game high 18 LaPlata points. Jesse Schroeder canned five three pointers during the contest and finished with 17 points.

   Brashear went 6-13 from the free throw line. Justin Hazen led the Tigers with nine points and three assists. Jacob Shipman scored seven points and pulled down five rebounds. Kale Watson scored seven BHS points.

   Trae Treasure and Matt Thomas scored six points each. Thomas led the Tigers with six rebounds. Kiley Watson scored four points and Ryan Ferdig contributed three Tiger points.

   Brashear turned the ball over 14 times, had six steals and 20 team rebounds. LaPlata has a scheduled conference game at Brashear on December 11.