by Brian Turrel
The Schlagle Stallions held off an impressive fourth-quarter comeback from the Wyandotte Bulldogs to hold on to a 72-63 win on Tuesday night at Wyandotte.
With Bulldogs star player Diamond Hines riding the bench, Schlagle dominated the first half with trapping pressure defense that caused several turnovers. The Stallions matched their effective defense with inside scoring from Brian Parker and Jaylin Richardson to take an 18-9 first-quarter lead.
Schlagle continued their showing in the second half, mixing in three-point baskets from Syi Sipple and Kendall Brewer and extending their advantage to 42-22 at halftime.
After the half, Hines came off the bench and brought some life to the Bulldogs’ offense, hitting a three-pointer right away and scoring 10 points in the third quarter. The Bulldogs stopped their slide, but still finished the quarter down 58-36.
In the fourth quarter, Hines and the Bulldogs found another gear. Down by 26 with 5 1/2 minutes remaining, the Bulldogs scored 27 overall, include 4 three-pointers by Hines, to pull within 5 points with one minute on the clock. Schlagle hit 5 of 9 free throws in the final minute to hold on for the win.
Parker led the Stallions with 26 points for the game. Richardson scored 16, and Ty Gilmore contributed 12. For the Bulldogs, Hines led with 28 points, all in the second half. Torry Moore scored 10 and provided some veteran leadership to hold the team together as they struggled in the first half.
Schlagle’s win takes the Stallions’ season record to 2-0 in the Kansas City – Atchison League (2-2 overall). The team will play next on Jan. 11 at home against Atchison. The Bulldogs will play on Jan. 8 at home against Harmon. Schlagle and Wyandotte will face each other again at Schlagle on Feb. 5.
