DECATUR -- The Decatur Bulldogs' senior varsity boys continued their winning streak, taking victories in two games on Jan. 14 and 17.

With these wins, Decatur is now 5 and 7 overall, made possible by the exceptional playing ability of Mario Urquidi.

The first game pitted the Bulldogs against the Mountainburg Dragons in a two-game series at home in Peterson Gym on Jan. 14. This game was colors day homecoming for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs were first to score. The next play, the Dragons tied the score. The lead traded hands several times. Then, at the five-minute mark, Mountainburg took control of the game and held on to a two point lead until the 48 second mark when the Bulldogs regained the edge to finish the first period 15 to 13.

Mountainburg took the lead in the second quarter and held on, taking a two-point lead into the locker room at the half.

In the third period, Mario and Victor Urquidi began hitting bucket after bucket to regain control of the game. It was a 41 to 34 Decatur ballgame going into the final period of play.

With the combined efforts of Matt Lee, Allen Castaneda, Pheng Lee, Trey Kell, Kyle Shaffer, Terry Kell and Vang Lee, in addition to the Urquidi brothers, the Bulldogs dominated the entire fourth period and defeated Mountainburg 58 to 41.

"We did a great job of wearing down the Mountainburg players," John Unger, head Decatur basketball coach, remarked. "Our guards played great full-court defense and forced turnovers that led to easy baskets. We went into half-time down, but our defense wore them down and we broke the game open in the second half."

One remarkable play involved Pheng Lee, junior guard. Lee was driving down after stripping the ball from a Dragon player. As he reached the free-throw line, Lee slipped and went down on both knees. In an exhibition of ball control, Lee regained his footing and brought the ball back into play, never missing a beat.

Mario Urquidi continued the lead in Bulldog scoring with 27 points and 21 rebounds, a double-double (over 10 points in two of four categories). Other Bulldogs scoring included Victor Urquidi and Pheng Lee, each with 11; Meng Vang, with 4; Trey Kell, with 4; and Kyle Shaffer, with 2.

"We are starting to play the kind of basketball we need to play to be successful," Unger said. "It just took us a while to get it going this year, but we are working hard and playing extremely hard. As long as we play defense like we have been, we will win many more games."

GIRLS

Mountainburg 52

Decatur 15

The Lady Bulldogs played the Mountainburg Lady Dragons, the number-3-ranked girls team in the state. It was all Dragons, taking the game 52 to 15.

Eureka Springs Games

The Bulldogs traveled to Eureka Springs on Jan. 17 to take on the 17 and 4 Highlanders. When the Decatur varsity boys took the court, they were fully charged and ready to win.

"We got down 10 early, but I told the guys not to worry about the score; just keep playing." Unger said, "We fought back with great defense and, in the end, we came out on top."

The team was led by Mario Urquidi, who continues to impress players, coaches and fans across the region. The Eureka Springs game was his all-time high scoring game. Urquidi also racked up another double-double with this game.

"Mario had a fantastic game. He had 36 points and over 20 rebounds again," Unger said. "I thought our speed -- it really gave Eureka Springs a problem. We were able to get out and fast break and we also controlled the rebounds."

The Bulldogs handed the Highlanders their fifth loss of the season, 72 to 68.

Other Bulldogs scoring included Victor Urquidi with 14, Pheng Lee wtih 8, Meng Vang with 7, Trey Kell with 4, Terry Kell with 2 and Brody Funk with 1.

"I thought our guys did a great job of playing in front of a hostile crowd and keeping their composure," Unger said. "We hit free throws down the stretch and played so hard the entire game. This team keeps getting better and better with each game and the sky is the limit with these guys."

Both wins increased Decatur's overall record to 5 and 7, giving them a good shot for a playoff bid.

"What a game! I wish we could bottle up the feeling in that locker room after that game," Unger recalled.

In other games from Eureka Springs, the junior boys won 28 to 23. Leng Lee was the leading scorer with 13. The junior girls lost to the Highlanders 21 to 19. The senior girls fell to Eureka Springs 42 to 33.

To check the next games for the Decatur Bulldogs, go to Decatur School District's website at www.decatursd.com.