HEBRON — In a game dominated by defenses, it would end up being one defensive breakdown that would decide it.
With the score tied 41-all, the Thayer Central boys basketball team had an opportunity with 11.2 seconds left to avoid overtime and earn a win on the last possession. Titan senior Greg Dightmann received the inbounds pass from senior Trent Tietjen and took the ball up the floor, but no one picked him up.
Dightmann maneuvered past the Cougar defense and hit a layup in the waning seconds. Sandy Creek senior Mitch Hinrichs heaved up a half-court shot that fell short just before the final buzzer, securing a 43-41 victory for the Titans on Saturday night.
"I saw Jay Cottam go out for a three-ball and his guy followed him to stay tight. Then I saw Brian (Loontjer) seal off his man, so I figured I would just use my strong hand and go to the left," Dightmann said of the last play. — In a game dominated by defenses, it would end up being one defensive breakdown that would decide it.
Defense leads Sandy Creek girls to victory
HEBRON — When a basketball team prepares to go up against the Sandy Creek girls, one thing that needs to be focused on is protecting the possession and avoiding turnovers.
The Thayer Central girls basketball team couldn't get that done Saturday night.
The Titans (2-12) turned the ball over 31 times, and the Cougars cruised to a 52-32 win.
"Our defense needs to make our team go," said Sandy Creek coach Russ Ninemire, whose team improved to 11-5 on the season and extended its winning streak to three games.
To read more, see Monday's Hastings Tribune or the Tribune e-edition.>>>
