Bulldogs Cage Owls In District Action

CROCKETT – On a night of honoring a Crockett legend, the Crockett Bulldogs would do their part by dismantling the Anderson-Shiro Owls in a 74-37 victory. Nine different Bulldogs scored and three players reached double-figures as Crockett pushed their record to 4-2 through the first half of district play.

The Bulldogs started just as strong as they finished with the offense rolling and the defense stifling. Anderson-Shiro was unable to answer any of the Bulldogs charges, as Crockett controlled the pace of the game, and dominated the Owls from start to finish.

Crockett opened the game with solid play offensively, putting up 19 points in the first quarter, and pushed that to 39 points at the half. The balanced effort led to a lot of their opportunities, along with their full-court press wrecking havoc on the Owl’s offense.

Scoring would slow down in the third quarter with the Bulldogs managing just 14 points, but Crockett would pick up the pace, finishing the game with a strong 21-point effort in the fourth quarter. During a tough quarter offensively for the Bulldogs, Crockett was still able to play airtight defense, and limit the Owl’s offensive opportunities. The Bulldogs would outscore Anderson-Shiro in each of the four quarters played.

AD Smith led a balanced Bulldogs offense with 14 points on the night. The senior guard did most of his damage in the first half, as the Bulldogs carried a big lead early. It was a pair of first year varsity players joining Smith in double figure with Colby Berry scoring 13 points and Carlton Shirley adding 12 points in the win.

Junior’s Michael McKnight and Tevin Collins added eight points apiece in the win with fellow junior Xavier Berry adding seven points. CJ Wheeler chipped in six points offensively in a solid night for the defensive specialist. Darius Barber finished the night with two points while Adrian Dupree rounded out the Bulldogs scoring with two points.

The Bulldogs hit the road on Tuesday night to kick off the second half of district play against the Centerville Tigers. Crockett handled the Tigers for a 76-56 win to open district play, and will look to make it four-consecutive district wins for the Bulldogs over Centerville.

On Friday, January 27 the Bulldogs will return home to host the district leading Trinity Tigers. The Tigers stunned Crockett 63-60 in their first meeting, and the Bulldogs will be out to avenge that loss. Hoping to be back at full strength by then, the Bulldogs are still without guard Dominique Wheeler, who injured his knee in the US Army All-American Bowl back on January 7.

The Bulldogs will return to the road on Tuesdsay, January 31 to face the Onalaska Wildcats. Crockett defeated Onalaska 71-40 in their first meeting of district play.

For a complete recap of the Bulldogs showdown against Centerville, as well as other area basketball news, check back in The Messenger. Also follow The Messenger on Facebook and check out our website at www.messenger-news.com. Chris Boothe can be reached at cboothe@messenger-news.com.