Bulldogs Topple Tigers, Inch Closer To First
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
<em><strong>Photo by Chris Boothe / Messenger Sports Dominique Wheeler (#10), in his first game back from a knee injury suffered at the US Army All-American Bowl, helped boost the Bulldogs to a 60-38 win over Trinity.</strong></em>
CROCKETT – In early January the Bulldogs found themselves on the wrong side of a 63-60 decision in Trinity. On Friday night the Bulldogs got their revenge in a thrilling 60-38 win over the Tigers. Crockett turned a four-point lead at the half into an 18-point lead after three quarters, as the Bulldogs stomped out the Tigers and moved within a game of first place in district 23-2A play.
Crockett used a strong defensive effort that included holding Trinity to just 17 points in the first half. Things never got better for the Tigers offensively, as Trinity was limited to just 21 points in the second half, as the Bulldogs had their way with the Tigers defensively.
Trinity had just three players score in the first half, with Davion Oliphant the only player to score in each of the first two quarters. It was Oliphant that kept the Tigers close, as the junior guard scored 10 of the Tigers 17 points in the first half, including nine points in the second quarter.
The Tigers would take an early lead in the game before they began to stall. Trinity would hold the ball for almost five minutes, not allowing any scoring at all. Once the Bulldogs were able to break the Tigers hold on the clock, they would surge ahead to take a surprising 8-5 lead at the end of the first quarter. Crockett would have just two players score in the opening frame with AD Smith and Tevin Collins scoring four points apiece.
Trinity would jump ahead early in the second quarter but a trey by Colby Berry would be enough to put the Bulldogs over the top. With a packed house and a crowd firmly behind Crockett, the Bulldogs would ride that momentum into the half, where they led 23-17.
Crockett would tear things wide open in the third quarter behind the play of junior guard Michael McKnight. McKnight, along with Berry and Smith would key a strong run to open the second half. Before Trinity knew what hit them, the Bulldogs had opened up a 10-point lead and showed no signs of letting up. Crockett would hold Trinity to just 11 points in the third quarter, while putting up 23 points to open up a 46-28 lead over the visiting Tigers.
From there it was a run to the finish with the Bulldogs continuing their outstanding shooting and lockdown defense. Crockett would outscore Trinity 14-10 in the final quarter using another balanced effort offensively. With a standing-room only crowd on their feet the Bulldogs would finish off the 60-38 win, bringing Crockett within a game of Trinity for first place in district play.
It was the big man in the middle, Collins leading the way for Crockett with 16 points on the night. Smith and McKnight scored 13 points apiece to help pace the Bulldogs offense on the night. McKnight scored all 13 in the second half with nine points coming in the third quarter alone.
Berry added nine points, all from behind the arc, as the sharpshooter continued to show off his deep shooting skills. As a team the Bulldogs erupted for five treys on the night with Berry accounting for three of them. Xavier Berry added six pints with Carlton Shirley adding a free throw in the Bulldogs win.
The Bulldogs (6-2) took to the road on Tuesday night to face off against the Onalaska Wildcats (4-4). In their first meeting of district play the Bulldogs would storm back from an early deficit to down the Wildcats 71-40.
Crockett will return home on Friday, February 3 when the New Waverly Bulldogs (5-2) roll into town. Crockett will be looking to avenge their second district loss as New Waverly slipped past the Bulldogs for a 70-66 win in their first meeting of district play.
The Bulldogs will play their final road game of the year on Tuesday, February 7 when they head out to face the Groveton Indians (1-7).
For a complete recap of the Bulldogs road match against Onalaska, 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.
