DECATUR -- The Decatur senior boys' basketball team had a mixed week as it first hosted the Union Christian Eagles at home Jan. 26 and went on the road to Hartford Jan. 28.
The Bulldogs fell behind midway through the first quarter, giving the Eagles a 13 to 7 lead at the end of the first. Decatur kept up with Union Christian during the second quarter, scoring six points to the Eagles' eight. By the end of the first half, Union Christian commanded an eight-point lead, 21 to 13, going into the break.
The Bulldogs could not gain any ground on the Eagles during the third quarter, scoring 10 points to Union Christian's 11. The Eagles ended the quarter with a 31 to 24 lead over the Bulldogs. Decatur's struggle continued into the final quarter, allowing Union Christian to command the boards with a 17 to 7 run. In the end, the Bulldogs dropped another game, losing to the Eagles, 48 to 31.
Leading scorers for the Decatur Bulldogs were Tyler Riddle with eight, followed by Taylor Haisman and Jay Porter each with five. Other Bulldogs with points included Kyle Shaffer with four, followed by Troy Flood with three and Bracy Owens, Leng Lee, and Wyatt Bingham each with two.
Decatur 64
Hartford 44
Decatur traveled south to take on the Hartford Hustlers, in last place in the 2A 4 West conference race. The Bulldogs took command of the game early, allowing the Hustlers only four points in the first quarter. Decatur ended the quarter with an impressive 24 to 4 lead. Hartford fought back in the second quarter with a series of three pointers by Chad Dietz. Dietz' 9 points, along with another three pointer by Gavin Boudreaux, put the Eagles closer to Decatur. But the Bulldogs still took a 16 point lead into the break, 37 to 21.
Decatur extended its lead to 22 in the third, ending the quarter, 54 to 32. Hartford was unable to make up any ground on Decatur, giving the Bulldogs their fourth conference victory of the season, 64 to 44.
The Bulldogs are now 4 and 5 in conference play and 7 and 14 overall going into the final two weeks of the regular season.
Decatur will host the 2A 4West District Tournament beginning Feb. 17 and ending with the championship round Feb. 20.
Leading scorers for the Decatur Bulldogs were Bracy Owens with 15, followed by Taylor Haisman with 14. Leng Lee and Kyle Shaffer each had eight. Other Bulldogs with points included Jay Porter with six, Troy Flood and Tyler Riddle each with five, Wyatt Bingham with four, and Alex Morrow with two.
Sports on 02/03/2016