GENTRY -- It was a rough week for the Decatur Bulldogs, dropping three of their four games during the Gentry Summer Basketball League held in the gym at Gentry High School July 22 and 24.
The Decatur Bulldogs met the Greenland Pirates July 22. As the Bulldogs took the court, they were minus their key player, Mario Urquidi, who was attending a basketball clinic in Oklahoma City.
Led by Mario's twin brother, Victor Urquidi, the Bulldogs came to Gentry with one thing on their minds, winning. They took control of the first half, managing a five-point lead over Greenland at the break 21 to 16.
But in the second half, the Pirates knocked on the Bulldogs' door through most of the 18 minutes of play. With less then 30 seconds left, Greenland pulled out in front of Decatur 31 to 30. A free throw in those final seconds by Victor Urquidi gave the Bulldogs the victory 32 to 31.
In a late game July 22, Decatur took on Farmington. The Cardinals' aggressive style overwhelmed the Bulldogs at times. Decatur Coach John Unger used the Farmington style of play to his advantage by alternating his starters and his sophomore players. When the starters pulled the Bulldogs ahead of the Cardinals, Unger sent in his younger players. When Farmington pulled ahead, Unger sent his starters back in. At the half, Farmington commanded a 13 to 6 lead over Decatur.
In the second half, Unger continued his strategy of alternating starters and younger players. This was not at times a very popular decision with a few of his starters who wanted to win.
Since the summer league games do not use the season rules of basketball, they do not apply to the regular season tally. By the end of the game, Farmington finished ahead of Decatur, 29 to 10.
In two games July 24, Unger continued to give his sophomores play time and experience as Decatur took on powerhouse Rogers. The Mounties, like the Cardinals, played aggressively as they pummeled Decatur on the offensive boards, holding the Bulldogs scoreless for the first four minutes of the first half. The Bulldogs, however, played their own kind of aggressive game on the defensive board, preventing the first half from becoming a blow-out. Rogers held on to the lead 22 to 15 at the break.
Unger continued to play his younger players throughout the second half. It was not about winning the game as much as it was building confidence in his sophomores. By playing the younger players, who were out-sized and out-gunned by the Mounties, Unger hoped to make better players and ready them for the regular season, when it counts. In the end, the Rogers Mounties defeated Decatur, 44 to 25.
In the final game of the week, the Bulldogs went head to head against the Gentry 1 (varsity) Pioneers. Like the Rogers game, the Bulldogs fell behind early. The Pioneers out shot the Bulldogs throughout the first half, taking a 21 to 12 lead into the break.
The Pioneers continued their dominance for much of the second half. But it became apparent that Unger's strategy of using his younger players was working. Bracey Owens made a beautiful three-point shot from outside. Ray Haisman hit several baskets, including a layup. Ryan Shaffer forced several turnovers on Gentry (and Rogers). Leng Lee moved the ball down court and kept the Bulldogs on track. Taylor Haisman (freshman) made several shots. Jay Porter, who is one of the starters this summer, blocked and rebounded several basket attempts by Gentry. In the end, the Bulldogs' shooting percentage proved to be their downfall, as Gentry 1 took the game, 38 to 26.
"I really like the development of our incoming 10th graders. Those guys are going to contribute to our team this year and they will continue the success of our basketball program at Decatur," Unger said. "Our upperclassmen continue to be great leaders and continue to work hard. I think this summer league is a step in the right direction for us and our program."
One casualty of the Gentry game occurred when Terry Kell was going up for a shot. He landed wrong and sustained a hairline fracture in his foot and will be out for the rest of the summer league series.
For the entire Bulldog team, the summer league program proved its worth. If Decatur could keep up with stronger Class 4A and 7A teams like Gentry, Farmington and Rogers, then teams in the 2A conference better keep an eye out. Here come the Decatur Bulldogs and they are gunning for the state title.
Good week for Pioneers
The Gentry Pioneers had a good week of play.
The Pioneers played the Greenland Pirates July 22. It was a see-saw match in the opening minutes of the first half. Gentry, however, began a rally to propel them ahead of Greenland, taking a 22 to 10 lead into the break. In the second half, Greenland tried to come back but the damage was already done. Gentry defeated Greenland, 40 to 26.
It was a very different set of circumstances for the Pioneers when they took on the Rogers Mounties. The 12-point lead at the end of the half in the Greenland game turned against Gentry. They were down to Rogers, 26 to 14, at the break.
Gentry had a great second half, playing a much more aggressive game. The 12-point deficit they had at the break dropped to just two points midway through the final half. However, that quickly changed when Gentry failed to get the ball through the hoop. Gentry's defensive play kept the Mounties from getting a blowout, but Rogers hung on to the victory, 39 to 31.
In the last week of the summer league the Pioneer varsity (1) and junior varsity (2) looked like completely different teams from two weeks ago. Both teams played with more confidence, as was evident in their winning games.
Sports on 07/30/2014