DECATUR -- The Decatur Bulldog senior boys returned to Peterson Gym for their final game of the 2014-15 basketball season Feb. 12 as they took on the Leftwich Rattlers from Magazine. For six senior boys and two girls it would be the last time they would play before a home crowd in Peterson Gym.
Prior to the boys' game the seniors were honored for their hard work and commitment to the Bulldog basketball program. Each were escorted by family members to center court where the Bulldog supporters showed their appreciation with thunderous applause. Jackie Vargas and Sarah Harris were presented with a framed photo of the 2014-15 Lady Bulldog team by Coach Bill Niven. Head coach John Unger and assistant coach Jason Porter presented a framed photo of the senior boys' team to Brody Funk, Terry Kell, Pheng Lee, Allan Castaneda, Victor Urquidi and Mario Urquidi. For these seniors it was the end of high school basketball careers which, for most, began four years earlier when they were mere freshman.
The Bulldogs jumped out to an early 16 to 8 lead over the Rattlers in the first quarter, playing their pressure defense and allowing only eight points against them.
The Rattlers fought back in the second quarter, outscoring the Bulldogs, 15 to 8, and only allowing Decatur to take a five-point lead into the locker room at the half, 28 to 23.
Things picked up for Decatur in the third, as they stepped up their pressure defense. The Bulldogs extended their lead over the Rattlers by 12 points and ended the quarter up 43 to 31.
In the final quarter, Leftwich tried to mount a drive and got to within 6 points before Decatur's defense shut it down. The Bulldogs had a run late and, at the final buzzer, emerged victorious over the Leftwich Rattlers, 53 to 42.
"The six seniors, five of them at one time, came out and played in the first quarter, mounting a 10-0 run on Magazine," Unger said. "We had three or four turnovers to let Magazine back into the game. This took all of our momentum away and made it hard to build back up. But the boys hung in there and played a better second half and never gave up."
"We wanted to make a show since it was the last game of the season," said Mario Urquidi, team captain. "We didn't play as well as we wanted, but we hustled and still came out with the win,"
Urquidi played one of his best games, with a season high of 32 points, two short of his personal best of 34 he had last season.
The Bulldogs ended the regular season 13 and 1 in conference play and 20 and 7 overall.
Decatur will travel south to Hackett to play in the district tournament Feb. 19. The Bulldogs will be first seed in the tournament. By winning the regular season championship, they also earned fourth seed in regionals.
"It is kind of sad. It is the last time we will play an official game," Victor Urquidi reflected on his four-year high school career with the Bulldogs.
Leading scorers for Decatur were Mario Urquidi with 32 points and 13 rebounds, followed by Victor Urquidi with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Other Bulldogs scoring points and rebounds include Leng Lee, 3 points and 1 rebound; Terry Kell, 2 points and 1 rebound; Meng Vang, 2 points and 3 rebounds. On the defensive boards, Brody Funk had 3 rebounds, followed by Bracy Owens and Allan Castaneda with 2 rebounds each. Wyatt Bingham, Ryan Shaffer and Jafett Puga each had 1 rebound.
The Lady Bulldogs ended their regular season with a 35 to 14 loss to the Lady Rattlers. They will play in the district tournament in Hackett. Due to the winter storm that hit on Feb. 16, the time will be announced on the Decatur athletic website.
Sports on 02/18/2015