Scrappy Bulldogs overcome Grand Saline

By Larry Tucker
editor@wood.cm
Posted 12/23/21

The Quitman Bulldogs fought back from early 8-0 and 13-4 Grand Saline leads to earn a hard-fought 46-42 win over the Indians Friday at Ballard Memorial Gym.

The Indians had a pair of triples to …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Scrappy Bulldogs overcome Grand Saline

Posted

The Quitman Bulldogs fought back from early 8-0 and 13-4 Grand Saline leads to earn a hard-fought 46-42 win over the Indians Friday at Ballard Memorial Gym.

The Indians had a pair of triples to gain that early lead, but the Bulldogs relentless hustle on defense brought them back. After Grand Saline had opened up the nine point advantage, Quitman fought back on a three-point bucket by Brady Floyd, a put back by Landon Richey and three free throws from Levi Thomas to cut the lead to 15-8 after one period.

A pair of triples by brothers Ford and Jack Tannebaum in the second quarter sparked the Bulldog offense while Richey, Ethan Presley and Garin Kisinger controlled the boards. Quitman pulled within two points to end the first half with Grand Saline up 22-20.

The Bulldogs got a 14-11 third quarter to give them a 34-33 lead going into the final eight minutes. As the third quarter came to an end, the talented Thompson faked left, leaving an Indian defender on the floor, and then laid the ball in on a drive down the middle of the lane to set the stage for a frantic and exciting fourth period.

In the fourth quarter Grand Saline took a 37-36 edge on a 10-foot jump shot, but a Thomas Sabedra triple with 4:45 left gave the Bulldogs a 39-37 advantage. The Bulldogs led the rest of the way. A driving bucket from Floyd put the score at 43-39, and Thompson hit a pair of free throws with 22 seconds to go to secure the 46-42 win.

Point guard Floyd was instrumental in the win on both ends of the floor as a constant problem for Grand Saline. Floyd had 12 points and numerous defensive deflections and steals. Thompson had another great game leading Quitman with 23 points. 

Presley has continued to improve under the basket and is a force in the lane against opponents. Richey and Kisinger use their size to command the backboards while Ford and Jack Tannebaum can pop triples and play solid defense, too. 

After opening district play Tuesday against Harmony, the Bulldogs will host the Quitman Tournament Dec. 27 and 28 with games at Ballard Memorial Gym, the high school gym and the elementary gym.