Bulldogs upset Barnstormers to open tourney
COUNTY LINE — For the Thaden Barnstormers, it was supposed to be an easy win as the Barnstormers squared off against the Decatur Bulldog varsity boys’ basketball team in the first round of the 1A-1W district basketball tournament at Indian gym at County Line on Feb. 13. But the Bulldogs had other plans as a strong defense and offense gave Decatur the win in overtime.
The Decatur Bulldogs have struggled all season against some of the more powerful teams in the conference, such as County Line, Ozark Catholic and even Thaden. So it was no wonder that the Decatur boys finished in sixth place for the regular season, which put them as the number six seed in the district tournament.
The Barnstormers were first to score in the opening quarter of the contest. They continued to widen their lead until senior Landon Watson hit a three-pointer to put the Bulldogs on the scoreboard.
Thaden managed to hold onto a slim lead by the end of the first half.
The Barnstormers tried to run away with the third quarter but were stunned by the extremely aggressive defensive display exhibited by the Bulldogs. It was strong offensive moves in the final quarter that put Decatur ahead of Thaden. But Thaden was not ready to end its season just yet as it managed to power back in the final few seconds to tie the contest at 39.
The Bulldogs gained the advantage in the first 30 seconds of overtime on a field goal by Jackson Montano.
Decatur managed a fourpoint lead as the clock counted down to zero. But just as the Bulldogs began to celebrate their victory, one of the officials called a foul, giving the Barnstormers a chance to close the gap. The free throw shooter missed his first shot but hit the other two, giving the Decatur Bulldogs their first win in the tournament, 4947, and ending the Thaden Barnstormers 2022-23 basketball season.
Jackson Montano was the star of the contest, contributing 18 points and several key steals in the contest. Deegan Brooks was the only other Bulldog in double figures, with 14 points. Other Bulldogs contributing to the offensive efforts included Devin Thor with seven, followed by Brandon Montano with five, Landon Watson with three, and Brian Ruiz with two.
Unfortunately, the Bulldogs’ season ended on Feb. 14 with a loss to the Ozark Catholic Academy Griffins in the second round of the district tournament.
Overall, the Decatur Bulldogs won six games while posting 19 losses, winning three conference contests and losing 11 for a sixthplace finish in the 1A-1 West district tournament.