Warhawks Boys Basketball Takes Down Bulldogs in Coaches Versus Cancer Game

SHEFFIELD - West Fork boys basketball defeated the Hampton-Dumont-CAL Bulldogs 64-58 in a thrilling overtime game in the Coaches versus Cancer boys basketball game on Saturday, Jan, 31. It was a back and forth battle all night, as the Warhawks took a 23-20 lead into halftime before the Bulldogs outscored the Warhawks 33-30 in the second half to tie the game. Sophomore Hunter Rirken hit a game-tying three pointer with under five seconds remaining to send the game to overtime. The Warhawks outscored the Bulldogs 11-5 in the overtime period to steal the victory. Warhawks head coach Abraham Maske loved his teams fight and how they battled in the win.

"We showed the fight that we've been showing the last couple of weeks," Maske said. "One of the things that we've done is steadily grown and steadily gotten better. We've discussed the effort and the ability to work together. We really stress working together and being a family."

Junior Ayden Bonner led the Warhawks with 21 points on 8-of-18 shooting, including knocking down the eventual game-winning three-point shot that gave the Warhawks a 59-58 lead in overtime. Bonner explained what was going through his mind during overtime. "I was just thinking we need points," Bonner said. "It was an overtime game and a tough game. I just thought about being confident. I caught the pass and knocked the shot down."

Junior Lane Kollman recorded a double-double as he scored 10 points and pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds. Junior Keston Lambertson led the Warhawks with five assists.

Senior Brady Harr recorded a double-double for the Bulldogs, as he scored 19 points and pulled down a game-high 18 rebounds. Harr also led the Bulldogs with nine assists while senior Caden Wood also scored 19 points. Despite the loss, Bulldogs head coach Matt Lokenvitz was pleased with how his team battled until the end.

"Our players showed heart and fought hard throughout the second half," Lokenvitz said. "I give West Fork credit, as they made shots down the stretch and made their free throws."

The Warhawks improve to 5-7 on the season and sit at 3-4 in conference play, while the Bulldogs fall to 5-8 and sit at 3-4 in conference play. The Warhawks played at Central Springs on Tuesday, Jan. 27 and their next game is on Thursday, Jan. 29 at Aplington-Parkersburg at 7:45 p.m. The Bulldogs played at Humboldt on Tuesday, Jan. 27 and their next game is on Thursday, Jan. 29 at Clarion-Goldfield-Dows at 7:30 p.m.