The Alliance Bulldog Basketball began their season with the Western Conference Tournament this past November 29 – 30 and December 1. Both boys’ and girls’ teams ended their tournament with a 2-1 record. The boys defeated Mitchell and Torrington on Friday and Saturday, but fell short to Omaha Skutt on Thursday. The girls defeated Omaha Skutt and Torrington on Thursday and Saturday and then lost to Sidney on Friday.
The boy’s team started their season on Thursday, November 29, against Omaha Skutt with high hopes of defeating one of the top teams in the state. Starters: senior Isaac Burnham, juniors Trevor Kamerzell, Josh Matulka, and Ryan Romick have experience on the varsity level, and sophomore Sage Dubray, though a newcomer to the varsity game, looks to be a key player. Seniors Alex Dubray, Keagan Hill, and Kyler Kaping and junior Gaige Lehl also return with varsity experience.
Midway through the 2nd quarter, Burnham was elbowed in the eye and was taken to the hospital for further evaluation. His eye was patched up and he played the rest of the tournament.
Many turnovers and a lack of rebounds cost the Bulldogs in the 2nd half of the Omaha Skutt game and the Bulldogs were defeated 52-73.
The boys then went on to play Mitchell, Friday night in Scottsbluff. An outstanding 21 point third quarter vaulted the Bulldogs 74-59 over Mitchell. Romick led the way for the Bulldogs with 17 points.
In the third place game the Bulldogs faced the Torrington Trailblazers on Saturday. Free throws were the key in this matchup and the Bulldogs converted 20 of 24 free throws to defeat the Trailblazers. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was sophomore Jordan Mills who cashed in 16 points for the Bulldogs.
The Alliance Lady Bulldogs come into this season looking to rebound after a loss in the District Championship Game last season. The senior starters: Morgan Anthony, Danielle Brennan, Shae Brennan, Andri Halouska, and Olivia Vogel are looking to guide the Bulldogs back to the District finals.
On Thursday, November 29, Omaha Skutt came into town to matchup against the Bulldogs. Throughout the course of the game the Lady Bulldogs quickly ruined Skutt’s trip out west defeating them 49-32.
The Lady Bulldogs then went on to face Sidney in Scottsbluff. The game was pivotal, hard fought game, but, in the end, the Red Raiders pulled away and defeated the Bulldogs 30-40. During the game Shae Brennan hurt her knee. Her MRI is scheduled for Thursday and she is improbable for Friday’s game against Gering.
With the loss the Lady Bulldogs would play Torrington for third place. Anthony led the Bulldogs with 10 points and helped secure a victory over Torrington 35-31 and a third place medal in the Western Conference Tourney.
Both Bulldog teams will travel to Gering this Friday, December 7. The Lady Bulldogs will start at 5:30 and the boys will follow.
