The referees at the Quitman vs. Winona game last Friday very nearly lost control of the action. To their credit however, they were able to steer the two sides through a very rough and tumble game and restore the proper basketball framework in which to compete. 

Quitman won the game 46-25. The action was akin to a schoolyard game, with a lot of contact and an occasional whistle. The Bulldogs’ hounding defense featured in the first half, as the home side allowed only six points from the Wildcats.    

In the offensive zone, Quitman spread the wealth with five Bulldogs scoring in the opening quarter. Quitman shooters were ranged in throughout the night, while the visitors struggled mightily from the field.

Guards Payton Sapp and Carter Smith each tallied 14 points to lead the Bulldogs. Both had a way of stepping up just when it seemed that Winona would make a run. Sapp did most of his scoring from beyond the arc, while Smith often scored on drives or short jumpers in the lane. 

If there was any glaring weakness in the Bulldogs attack, it was the ability to finish inside. The tandem of Jace Peek and Kameron Crockett had an excellent game against the high-leaping Wildcat posts. Peek and Crockett’s hard work on the boards were not often rewarded, however, with points off of offensive rebounds. This will likely be an area of emphasis as the district schedule grinds on.

Regarding tempo, the Bulldogs pressed the action most of the game. Occasionally, Coach Cody Wilson  called for the tempo to be slowed in favor of a more deliberate attack.

Quitman won this game by forcing an extraordinarily high number of turnovers. There was no single source of these turnovers, rather, most resulted from the court placement, anticipation and hustle of the Bulldogs.

Winona woke from their scoring drought after halftime and put-up 16 points in the third quarter. The closest they could get, however, was within 12 points. Late in the third, scores by Sapp – with a great pump fake to clear his shooting sights – and Carter restored the margin.

The win gave Quitman a 1-1 record to begin district play after losing the opener to Harmony last Tuesday 53-31.

The next opportunity to catch the Bulldogs at home will be Friday as they host the Winnsboro Red Raiders. It should be a great game.