Dragons are victorious in second Holyoke-Haxtun game of the season

Coach Marcus Kammer calls the Jan. 17 varsity boys basketball game in Haxtun the best that Holyoke has played this year. The 51-31 win was certainly a better turnout for the Dragons than the first Phillips County matchup of the season.

“We were more prepared for the games than we were the first go around,” Kammer said. It was evident that the Dragons were playing as a team, and their shooting and defense both looked better than they did in the December contest.

On Jan. 18, HHS traveled to Northeastern Junior College in Sterling to play Limon. The Badgers won 59-29.

Holyoke 51, Haxtun 31

In Haxtun on Friday, it initially looked like it would be another close game between the county rivals. After one quarter, the score was tied at 8. On both sides, the teamwork was clear. The 16 points were scored by seven different athletes, and no one individual was carrying his team.

It wasn’t long before the Dragons pulled ahead. Both Ethan Johnson and Miles Sprague had a strong second quarter, posting seven points apiece. By halftime, Holyoke led 25-20.

Back for the second half, the Dragons continued to look comfortable with one another on the court and extended their lead to 39-26. In the final period, the victory was secured. Holyoke won 51-31.

Johnson led the team with 17 points total, including one 3-pointer. Sprague contributed 13, and Slaten Burris added 12. Sprague led in rebounds with seven. As a team, Holyoke made 40% of its free throws. Haxtun made 50% from the foul line. It’s worth noting, though, that the Dragons played smart and only gave the Bulldogs four free throws to attempt.

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