Bulldogs first-quarter shut-out earns district win
LEADWOOD — The West County Bulldogs held the Arcadia Valley Tigers scoreless for the first nine-and-a-half minutes of their Class 3, District 3 opening game, while scoring 12 points of their own in setting a foundation for a 54-39 win.
The Tigers were unable to stop West County’s Steven Barnett inside the paint as he scored three field goals in the first quarter to jump-start a 19-point game. Barnett also led the Bulldogs in rebounding with 10 boards, scoring six of his 19 points on putbacks.
Once on the board with a free-throw by Austin Day, the Tigers began to connect as Drew Warren hit a three, and Jeremiah Robinson scored his first field goal after making a steal on defense.
Three-pointers became Arcadia Valley’s catalyst in keeping pace with the Bulldogs over the second half as Kyle Sutton made good of four shots and Drake Ackley and Eric Bennett both connected for one each. However 12 shots missed from the perimeter allowed the Bulldogs to hold a decisive 25-16 edge on the boards.
West County’s defense did an excellent job of blocking out on the boards as Arcadia Valley could only come up with five offensive rebounds to score only four second-chance points.
Kyle Harrison was able to make good on fast breaks in the third quarter. Taking a half-court pass from teammate Justin Lashley , Harrison was able to score uncontested, but on the very next play, Harrison made a steal and drove the length of the court for a second basket and the Bulldogs last of the quarter. Harrison connected on a lone three in the fourth to polish off a nine-point night.
West County (16-11) will play Scott City on Tuesday in the district semi-finals. Arcadia Valley closes their season at 8-16.
Arcadia Valley 0 9 14 16 – 39
West County 10 13 17 14 – 54
SCORING:
Arcadia Valley – Kyle Sutton 14, Jeremiah Robinson 12, Eric Bennet 5, Drew Warren 3, Drake Ackley 3, Austin Day 2. 3-point FG – Sutton 4, Bennett, Ackley, Warren. (FT: 6-12)
West County – Steven Barnett 19, Kyle Harrison 9, Justin Lashley 7, Jesse Waters 7, Jake Coleman 5, Tate Watson 4, Kyle Coleman 2, Elliot Sutton 1. 3-point FG – Harrison, Waters. (FT: 12-23)
