By Candie Fix
Managing Editor
Bulldogs clinch District 5 title in Wray
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March 4, 2020
Herald photo by Candie Fix
SOPHOMORE OWEN Knode goes up against an Otis defender for a lay up in the first round of Districts in Haxtun.
The Haxtun Bulldogs clinched the District 5 basketball championship Saturday night. The win advances the team to the Region 2 Tournament at Englewood High School. Haxtun is set to face off against Longmont Christian in the first round slated for Friday afternoon.
On the road to Regionals, Haxtun faced off with Otis, Flagler/Hi-Plains and Stratton/Liberty, taking wins in all three matches. According to scores on MaxPreps, Haxtun put up a total of 208 points throughout the three contests, outscoring their opponents by a total of 64 points.
"During the District Tournament, I thought the boys rose to the occasion and played their best basketball," Head Coach Bryce Bivins said. "I don't think anyone at the beginning of the season would've thought we would win the district championship, but these guys fought so hard and they truly deserve it."
Stats provided by Bivins lists sophomore Owen Knode with 23 points against Otis at home Wednesday night in the first round of District action. Junior Ryan Tempel led the Bulldogs in rebounds, pulling down nine.
Two nights later, in Wray, Tempel put 20 points on the board against Flagler/Hi-Plains while pulling down nine rebounds to lead his team in both categories for the night. The win on Friday sent the Bulldogs to the championship match the final night, where senior Clayton Stephens led with 15 points. Tempel again led in rebounds, this time with 16.
Herald photo by Candie Fix
Ryan Tempel
"The moment that we punched our ticket to Regionals, I could tell it was a sigh of relief for the whole team. They wanted it so bad and it showed during that semifinals game."
MaxPreps list Longmont Christian at 10-11 overall. The team went 4-8 in their respective league. The winner between the two teams will advance to Region 2 finals on Saturday for a 6:30 p.m. match up with Mile High Academy, who earned a first-round bye after their District finish.
"Regionals is going to be tough, it always is," Bivins said Tuesday morning. "Longmont Christian is a good team and if we are to get past them we will have to take on the number two team in the State. It's doable and I know the kids believe in themselves."
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