Alba-Golden boys run into solid foe in home opener against Dodd City

Posted 12/2/21

The Dodd City Hornets spoiled the Alba-Golden boys basketball home opener last Tuesday. The Hornets used great finishing and strong inside play to claim a 71-31 win.

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Alba-Golden boys run into solid foe in home opener against Dodd City

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The Dodd City Hornets spoiled the Alba-Golden boys basketball home opener last Tuesday. The Hornets used great finishing and strong inside play to claim a 71-31 win.

Despite giving up an early scoring flurry to the visitors, the Panthers worked their way back into the game. Bradyn Randolph hit a short jumper with one minute remaining in the opening quarter to close the score to 14-10. 

In the next 60 seconds, Dodd City nailed three successive three-pointers to take a 23-10 lead at the quarter break. 

Nick Hallman put in quality minutes for the Panthers in the second quarter. He took a hard charge mid-way through the quarter, recorded a steal and score and sank a couple of free throws. 

However, the Hornets converted four steals into points and strung together two runs late in the half to take a commanding lead.   

As can happen in East Texas, a dog wandered into the gymnasium just before the halftime break and stopped play until he was enticed back out of the arena.

The visitors ran away with the game in the second half. They used strong finishing at the basket and great outlet passing to score at will. 

There were nice moments for the Panthers. Gavin Dailey hit a smooth jumper from the baseline, and Jaden Barnhart scored after taking a beautiful assist from Hallman.

In fact, the Panthers have quite more talent than the score indicated.

Gavin Parker, Jerry Skinner and Gavin Dailey are all strong bodies in the lane, while a number of Alba-Golden ball handlers can push the ball. 

The one characteristic of Alba-Golden’s play which will likely change is the tempo of each basketball action.

The Panthers dribble the ball hard, each pass is rifled, and driving to the basket seeks contact.

Once the distance from football season opens and basketball traits become honed, the Panthers will be competitive and confident.