Haxtun ekes out a win in Thursday nail-biter

Last week was a tough one for the Holyoke High School boys basketball team. On Tuesday, Dec. 17, the Dragons traveled to St. Francis, Kansas, where they lost 60-44. On Thursday, Dec. 19, HHS hosted Haxtun in the Phillips County Battle. The Bulldogs came out on top in an incredibly close 53-50 game.

Holyoke 44, St. Francis 60

Despite playing a strong second half Dec. 17, HHS ultimately fell short, and St. Francis won 60-44. Much of what the Dragons did, however, looked really good. When it came to 3-point shots and free throws, for example, they kept their cool.

In the first quarter, St. Francis held the Dragons to just six points while racking up 14 of its own. Again in the second quarter, HHS scored only six points — a pair of 3s by Kaison Kinnie and Ethan Johnson. Held to eight more points, St. Francis led 22-12 at the half.

Back for the third quarter, the Dragons continued to see success from outside. Slaten Burris, Miles Sprague and Johnson each put up a 3-pointer. In total, Holyoke added 15 points and St. Francis 16. Going into the fourth quarter, HHS trailed 38-27. The Dragons finally had a shot at some free throws and made all but one. Sprague and Deaver each added a 3 to the board as well. Nevertheless, St. Francis outscored Holyoke in yet another quarter for a 60-44 win.

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