EUREKA SPRINGS -- It was a tough road getting to the district tournament for the Decatur Bulldogs, but their mid-season rally earned them a spot at the district tournament in Eureka Springs Feb. 20.
When the regular season ended Feb. 13, the Bulldogs found themselves in a three-way tie with Hackett and Eureka Springs. However, since Eureka Springs beat both Hackett and Decatur, they by default took the regular season title.
The Decatur team arrived in Eureka Springs around 4:15, just as the Hackett/Westside girls' game was underway. They sat quietly in the stands watching the game until the end of the half. Then they slipped away to dress out for their game with Johnson County Westside. As the third period of the girls' game started, the Bulldogs returned to the stands dressed out and ready for their game. They seemed at ease as they walked back toward their dressing room during the fourth period.
As the Hackett/Westside game reached its conclusion, the door to the Decatur dressing room opened and the player's chant, "one, two, three Bulldogs," filled the air. The team exited the dressing room led by Victor Urquidi.
A small contingent of Decatur fans made the long trip to Eureka. One group, sitting front row, center, in the bleachers was Xiong and Chia Lee, Matt, Pheng, and Leng Lee's parents. No matter what the conditions, the Lees are always in the stands supporting their boys, as did most of the parents at home games.
Decatur drew first blood shortly after tip off. By the six-minute mark, the Bulldogs were up by seven. Then, a fire ignited under the Westside team as they first tied and then gained the lead. They held that lead as they went into the dressing room at the half.
The third period began much as the previous one, with Decatur trailing Westside by as much as 7 points. However, midway through the period, at the four minute mark, Decatur mounted a rally. By the end of the third, Decatur was ahead again.
The Bulldogs came to the court in the final period looking more like the team of the last two months. They held on and beat JC Westside, 64 to 61.
Leading in the scoring for the Bulldogs was Mario Urquidi with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Victor Urquidi was also in double figures with 18 points, 7 rebounds. Other Bulldogs scoring included Kyle Shaffer with 9, Pheng Lee with 7, Terry Kell and Trey Kell with 3 each, and Matt Lee with 2.
Decatur traveled back to Eureka Springs to take on Union Christian in the District Finals on Feb. 22.
The Bulldogs scored first, in the opening minute of the first period, on a 1-point free throw. Union Christian followed with a 3-pointer from outside. The Eagles held onto the lead through the first period and into the second. But with a minute left in the second, the Bulldogs grabbed the edge, going into the locker room at the half, ahead 27 to 23.
Decatur came out of the locker room on fire and extended its lead to as much as 15 points at the end of the third period and into the fourth. Union Christian fought back, coming within 3 with two minutes left, but that would be as close as it would get. The Bulldogs opened the lead to 12, and it was game over for Union Christian. The Decatur Bulldogs won, 56 to 45, and brought home the district championship.
Leading scorers for the Bulldogs were Mario and Victor Urquidi, both with 17 points. Others scoring included Allen Castaneda and Trey Kell, both with 9; Terry Kell and Kyle Shaffer, both with 2.
"What a great feeling to win a tournament championship," said John Unger, Decatur boys' basketball coach. "There is no better group to be able to do it with than this group. We have been through so much together and all the hard work has paid off. We are a hungry team and we aren't done yet!" he added.
It was a hard fought-game for Decatur. Not only did the Bulldogs have to play a tough Union Christian team, they were heckled by the Eureka Springs boys' team as well.
The Bulldogs played hard in spite of the hostile environment and earned the district title.
Next stop for Decatur is the regional playoffs in Eureka Springs on Feb. 26 at 5:30.
The Lady Bulldogs senior girls played in the district tournament in Eureka on Feb. 17 and defeated Eureka Springs 45 to 15. They played Magazine's Leftwich and lost 43 to 21.
Sports on 02/26/2014