Dragons Win Regional Championship

The Silver Creek Dragons boys basketball team faced off against the Batesville Bulldogs on Saturday, March 14, at Charlestown for a Class 3A Regional Championship.

The Bulldogs hit a quick three to open the game and even took an early 6-2 lead. After a minute of nothing but baskets, the Bulldogs led 14-11 with four to play in the first quarter. The Dragons tied the game up at 14, but the Bulldogs responded with a 5-0 run to lead 19-14 with 2:33 to go in the first quarter. The first quarter was exciting, with multiple dunks and deep three-point shots that kept both fans engaged. The Bulldogs led 23-20 to end the first quarter.

The Dragons quickly tied the game up at 23 to start the second quarter after Kasen Daeger hit a clutch three-pointer. The Dragons then took the lead after a dunk by Lucas Linderman, which would be the Dragons’ first lead of the game, forcing a timeout from Batesville. The Bulldogs would, however, respond with their own 6-0 run and regain the lead with five minutes to play in the half.

The Dragons led 35-29, but after another run by the Bulldogs, they trailed 37-35 with 1:54 to play in the first half. The Dragons would then respond with a 5-0 run to take a 40-37 lead with a minute left to play in the half. Dane Sprigler hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer, and the Dragons led the Bulldogs 43-39 to end the first half.

The Dragons shot 69% from the field in the first half, and the Bulldogs shot 58%. The Bulldogs wasted no time in the second half, and they hit an opening three-pointer, but the Dragons responded with a layup just seconds after. The Dragons took their biggest lead of the game, leading 53-46 with 5:00 to play in the third; however, the Bulldogs cut it back to four after hitting a huge three before calling a timeout. The defense for the Dragons heated up, as they forced several turnovers in a row, and used their defense to jump to a 59-51 lead with three minutes to play in the third. The Dragons seemed to finally wear down the Bulldogs, taking a 70-59 lead with 1:20 to play in the third and eventually leading 72-64 to start the fourth quarter.

The Dragons again took their biggest lead of the game with five minutes to play, and the score at 83-69. The Dragons went through a brief scoring drought, but played aggressive defense to end the game and defeat the Bulldogs 92-77.

Scoring for the Dragons was as follows:

Jeron Miles 2, Dane Sprigler 14, Lasen Daeger 16, Lucas Linderman 7, Brandon Hunter 19, Donovan Whitehead 4, Bordy McLaughlin 11, Dane Caldwell 17, and Brody Oliver 2. The Dragons shot 67% from the field and 50% from the three-point line.