Boys varsity falls in 'crazy, back-and-forth' basketball game

With a victory and then a loss against the Simla Bear Cubs, Holyoke Dragon fans were on the edge of their seats for their team’s junior varsity and varsity games. Striving to defeat the Bear Cubs in a home game Dec. 9, the varsity fought their way through what Assistant Coach Marcus Kammer characterized as “a pretty crazy, back-and-forth” competition.

For both sides of the audience, it proved an exciting experience, with unexpected outcomes and opportunities for both teams to claim victory. Though the boys varsity eventually fell 51-57, Holyoke’s JV wiped out the Bear Cubs 34-50 with exceptional teamwork and skill.

A victory for JV

Starting off strong, Holyoke’s JV took on Simla, playing at a level Kammer considered “a good place to be before Christmas break.” He expressed gratitude he had the opportunity to rotate all 15 of his players throughout the game, gaining them experience working together.

In the first quarter, the JV boys shot ahead 14 points with a score of 16-2. Leading into the conclusion of the first half, they pushed further for a difference of 20 points at 27-7. Colbey Weber, Kammer noted, did an outstanding job leading the Dragons up and down the court.

The third quarter ended 43-18, Holyoke’s lead, though the Bear Cubs had begun to show some teeth in their game. Adding more grit on their own side, the Dragons nonetheless maintained a 20-point lead to the end.

Though unsure who the Dragon JV will face after Christmas break, Kammer expressed pride in his team and where they ended the semester. He intends to take advantage of any future game that allows the team to “grow our depth.”

“We like to get them that experience,” he said.

Varsity’s fight

Leading into the varsity game, the Dragons prepared to face a good opponent. It all came down to the last quarter, which turned tense as each team pushed for the win. However, the boys fell behind and, according to Head Coach Colbey Stumpf, “dug ourselves too big of a hole” to escape.

They nonetheless handled pressure well, Stumpf said, weathering a competition that featured unique levels of excitement and cheers from both sides.

The team always wants to win, so the loss proved difficult to accept, Stumpf said. Moving forward, he wants to limit mistakes and increase team effectiveness.

Starting Thursday, the Dragons are set to compete in the Holiday Tournament at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling. The tournament continues until Saturday.