Barnstormers overtake Bulldogs in rematch
DECATUR — The Decatur Bulldog varsity basketball team came head-tohead against the Thaden Barnstormers on Monday, Feb. 6, at the Arkansas Athletes Outreach (AAO) facility in Rogers. This rematch came full force, with the Barnstormers walking away with their heads held high.
On Jan. 6, the Bulldogs came out on top with a landslide victory against the Barnstormers, who ultimately couldn’t catch up as the Bulldogs scored shot after shot, ending the match 47 to 31. Since the Jan. 6 game, the Barnstormers had time to lick their wounds and then come back with a vengeance.
In the first quarter, the Bulldogs and Barnstormers were tied with 10 points each. This quarter was a warmup as the players tested their skills against their rival counterparts. Slowly but surely, one team would surpass the other.
Players faced off and exerted themselves in the second quarter. Both teams sank baskets, with the Bulldogs scoring 15 points and the Barnstormers 18. The Bulldogs gave the Barnstormers 12 shots at the free-throw line, of which they sank nine. This proved to be the turning point for the game as it gave them the lead.
Spectators have commented that the Bulldogs shine in the second half of their games, and this was clear during their Jan. 6 game. But, unfortunately, this wasn’t enough against the Barnstormers on Feb. 6.
Many had high hopes for the Bulldogs as they scored 12 points against the Barnstormers’ 11. But they still had to compensate for four points in the fourth quarter to break even.
By the final quarter, fatigue set in, and the team which dug deep and pushed ahead would be the victor. Each player made an earnest effort, and there wasn’t a dry jersey on either side.
Deegan Brooks carried his team in the fourth quarter, scoring six out of the 11 points. Landen Watson scored a 3-point shot, and J.J. Herrera sank two free throws.
Ultimately, the Barnstormers came out ahead, scoring 15 points in the fourth, winning the rematch and ending the game up 54 to 48.
Throughout the game, two players stood out. Herrera scored consistently in all four quarters, sinking 10 points in the game. Next to Herrera was Brooks, who scored the most points during the game with 11.
Other players scoring included Brian Ruiz, who scored three, Brandon Monrano with seven, Landen Watson with six, Devin Thor with five, and Ben Watkins and Jackson Montano with three points each.