Holyoke boys go 2-1 for District 2 runners-up

In a tough district, Holyoke emerged with runner-up honors after an important week of post-season play.
    The Dragons soundly ended the Wiggins Tigers’ season with a 72-35 pounding at home Tuesday, Feb. 21, sent Akron to consolation playoffs after defeating them 58-37 Thursday, Feb. 23, at NJC, and fell 40-50 to Sedgwick County in the Saturday, Feb. 25, championship game at NJC.
    
    Holyoke 40, SedgCo 50
    It was no secret that the Saturday championship game would be a big one. Holyoke was ranked No. 1 in District 2, having ended Sedgwick County’s undefeated streak in overtime back in January, but the Cougars were still ranked No. 1 in the state by RPI.
    Neck-and-neck the whole way through, the game did not disappoint, although Sedgwick County eventually had the upper hand as Holyoke was defeated 40-50.
    “That was an awesome environment and a pretty good basketball game,” said coach Scott Dille. “It is always fun to play against great teams, and I think it made us better.”
    Dille said he felt the Dragons played really well against the Cougars, but just had a couple of mistakes that Sedgwick County capitalized on.
    “We need to do a better job containing penetration so that we don’t have to help and rotate on defense,” he said. “It felt like every time we were slow or late with rotation, Sedgwick made a 3-pointer.” Offensively, Holyoke missed a few shots that they normally make — including 3s and free throws.
    The first quarter was back and forth. Each team matched the other shot for shot to tie at 9s at the buzzer.
    Holyoke played catch-up most of the game from the second quarter on, always just a step behind the Cougars. Halftime saw a slim 21-18 Sedgwick County lead.
    In the third quarter, M.J. Taylor landed a 3 to briefly bring the Dragons back ahead 29-28, but the Cougars soon pulled ahead once more to end the quarter with a 37-33 lead.  
    Holyoke was outscored 7-13 in the final quarter for the 40-50 loss, earning runner-up district honors and qualifying for regional play.
    “Bottom line, Sedgwick County is a really good basketball team and the margin for error is really small when you play them,” said Dille. “A couple small things to clean up and then we are right there with them.”
    Austin Herman led in scoring with 15 points and also in rebounds with eight, including one offensive and seven defensive. He also put up six blocks. Taylor also had a block, and Alex Strauss led in assists with four and steals with three.
  

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