Dragons defeated by Wray, Pine Bluffs

Holyoke boys basketball team lost its first league game of the season Friday, Jan. 14, to Wray 47-43 and lost 62-48 to Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, the following day to go to 6-4 on the season.

“I’m proud of the way the boys handled those games,” said coach Colbey Stumpf. He added that if the boys can take the good things from those games and have them carry over into the upcoming games with Haxtun and Limon, he’s excited for what can happen.

Stumpf said the boys found themselves down against Wray, but they did a good job of battling back. Now it is a matter of trying to limit mistakes like costly turnovers and missed layups.

He was also happy how the Dragons battled against Pine Bluffs, which he called a physical team. “We need to work on being consistent,” he said, noting that the Dragons need to play well for all four quarters.

Holyoke 43, Wray 47

The Dragons and the Eagles played an evenly matched first quarter Friday night, with both teams scoring eight points.

Holyoke’s offense slowed down in the second quarter, putting up four points compared to Wray’s 14, and trailed 22-12 at halftime.

The Dragon offense broke out in the third quarter, scoring 18 points. Their defense also held strong in the third quarter and allowed only three points. Holyoke led 30-25 after three quarters of play.

Wray ultimately had the highest scoring quarter of the game in the fourth, scoring 22 points to Holyoke’s 13 to win 47-43.

Holyoke had a strong performance from the free throw line, hitting 10 of 11 for 91%. Wray made five of 12 for 42%.

Ethan Johnson and Wyatt Sprague led the Dragons in scoring with 17 points. Johnson had four 2-pointers and three 3s. Wyatt Sprague made three 2s, one 3 and eight free throws.

Michel Perez led with seven rebounds, and Miles Sprague had six. Johnson led in assists with three, and Wyatt Sprague had four steals.

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