A packed weeknight crowd at the Joe saw the Pioneers take the Holmes Bulldogs by a final score of 78-74 in OT. The SK game plan put into place by the coaching staff was evident from the opening tip - get the ball inside to the BMOC Josh Hurd. The senior center finished with 33 points on the night while shooting a staggering 15 out of 19 (79%).
The Pioneers jumped out to a lead in the first quarter of 15-7 at the 2:39 mark which was trimmed to 3 by the end of the first quarter. The Bulldogs settled down the second quarter and knotted the score on the 32 mark at intermission.
SK comes out with first possession the third quarter and does what else, get the ball into Hurd. Working the ball into Hurd usually worked giving him several nice shots. Hurd showed a nice baby hook for several of his baskets. The Pioneers led at the end of the third 53-49. SK extended the lead to a high of 8 points in the second half. However, it seemed like the Pioneers either didn’t like the prosperity of a lead or wanted to keep the score close enough to give the crowd a great game to watch. Holmes tied the score at 66 with 1:42 left in the game after a Hester hustle foul in the back court. SK did an effective job of running the final minute off the clock after a couple of close calls on turnovers but the Pioneers were able to take a couple of TO’s and reset the game plan. SK got the ball into Mike Hester. Everyone was thinking Hester was going to drive with the ball but he popped a three that fell just short near the end of regulation. Holmes threw the ball long out of bounds and didn’t get a shot off and the game was extended for another 4 minutes.
Besides Hurd, Elbert, Hester and Layne all also scored double figures at 13, 16 and 10 respectively. Hester kept the Pioneers offense on track with the game plan as the Pioneers committed only 12 turnovers against the Bulldog pressure. Layne hit a couple of key mid-range jumpers and was a cool 6 for 6 from the line. Elbert racked up double digit assists with a total of 10. The unsung hero of the game was Justin Khors who drew 2 offensive fouls. Most interesting stat of the game was the fact that both teams only had two points scored off the bench.
The Pioneers put their best game of the year together thus far and were able to accomplish their game plan that brought home the impressive win. Congrats Coach Steiner and staff and the rest of the Pioneers.
Zach Layne was able to get inside the Holmes defense and draw fouls and ended up 6 for 6 from the line.
Hester draws the first half foul against Holmes. Hester did an effective job for the Pioneers controlling the tempo.
Elbert looks for another assist. The senior forward logged 10 on the night.
The hook was effective for Hurd.
Good crowd at the Joe.
Coach Steiner slows down the Pioneer offense...again and again...
Coach talks to Hester after a foul in the backcourt.
Hester with the drive.
More pictures at the SK Pioneers Pictures link at the right of the Blog.
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