DECATUR — The Bulldogs lost their tournament game against Union Christian Eagles last Tuesday by a score of 44-37.
The game marked the end of the season for the Bulldogs, who hold a record of 2-24 overall and 0-11 in conference.
The Bulldogs started Tuesday’s game with a 12-2 lead in the first quarter but hit a slump where they didn’t score well, said Decatur’s head basketball coach John Unger.
Defensively, the team played very well but fell short on free throws. Theteam could have won, but was 8-24 from the free throw line and lost by seven, he said. While the young team does well on free throws at home, they are not used to performing under the stress of a game, he explained.
Unger said he has found it personally satisfying to see how much his team has improved over the season.
“Was it a successful season? No. But it was a learning season and a season of growth and development. We’re only gonna get better,” Unger said.
While many of Decatur’s opponents will lose players next year, there are noseniors on Decatur’s team and all the players plan on returning next year, Unger said. In addition, four ninth graders will be moving up to join the team.
Unger said he has big plans for his team in the off season and he has set some big goals for next year.
“A lot of coaches are probably glad the season is over, but I’m not. I’d start it all over again tomorrow if I could,” he said.
Lady Bulldogs
The Lady Bulldogs lost Tuesday’s tournament game to the Eureka Springs Highlanders 24-17.
“We got beat on the free throw line,” said coach Larry Claphan. The other team shot 30 free throws, while Decatur only shot eight.
Claphan said he is going to work with his team in the off season to get stronger so they can play more physically.
The team has improved in rebounding and defensive play this year and Claphan said he plans to keep building on that.
“We really got the hang of rebounding. Once the other pieces come into being, we’re going to start winning some games,” he said.
Sports, Pages 7 on 02/22/2012