Bison split in district contests

Buffalo’s Jordan Canady (#2) puts up a hook shot for two points over Centerville defender Michael Gwosdz. The Buffalo Bison split in district play this week, losing at Centerville on Tuesday, then defeating Groveton at home on Friday to balance their season record at 9-9 and go to 2-1 in district.

VS CENTERVILLE

The Bison and Tigers faced off for the second time in less than a week, after meeting in the consolation finals at the Lovelady Tournament. On Tuesday, the host Tigers jumped out to an early 6-0 lead, before Jordan Canady got the Bison on the board with a steal and a dunk. Freshman Cain Hayes was playing big and scored four, then Damian Rodriguez tied things at 8-all with an inside basket.

The teams battled throughout the second quarter, which was most notable for three-point shots. CHS’ Michael Gwosdz and Jeremy Hammock each made one. Ryan Read knocked down a trey for the Bison and Canady was fouled while shooting from beyond the arc and made all three of his free throws. Centerville pulled away before the half to lead by five, 22-17, and held a 13-point lead by the end of three.

LEFT: Senior Casey Helfenbein puts up a jumper against Groveton, in the Bison’s one-sided victory over the Indians. Van’Go’photo The Bison played the Tigers evenly in the final period but were not able to close the deficit and Centerville won the contest 58-45.

Canady led the Bison with 24 and led in steals with 5. Ryan Read knocked down a pair of three-pointers for 6 and Hayes scored 6 as well. Saxton Sims added 4 and was in double-digits in rebounds. Rodrguez and Aaron Bell scored 2 each.

Gwosdz led the Tigers with 20, followed by Jonathan Cloud with 12 and Clay Hardee with 9. Hammock and Jamal High scored 5 each, Ryan Payne added 4, Hopkins 3, and Garrett Chase 2.

VS GROVETON

The outcome of the Groveton game was never in doubt, as the Bison dominated from the opening moments, building a 13-0 lead before the Indians were able to get on the scoreboard. Coach Warren Ringland's starters all contributed points in the 35-8 opening quarter, led by Aaron Bell's eleven points, Saxton Sims' 5 rebounds and 3 assists, and Ryan Read's three three-pointers.

The second unit took over in the second period, supplemented by several JV players since Groveton did not bring a JV team. The Bison kept the pressure on to take a 42-18 lead into the locker room.

The third quarter saw BHS outscore GHS 19 to 1, and they cruised on to a 70-29 win.

Bell was the leading scorer with 21. Canady added 12, Read 11, and Sims 7. Tate Hartley added 8 points and four steals. Curtis Yates contributed 5 points and 6 boards. Logan Beard had 4 points, several rebounds and a block. Damian Rodriguez and Austin Rayborn tacked on 2 each. Creagor Elson, Casey Helfenbein and Dylan Laningham contributed rebounds. Cain Hayes missed the game, recovering from a pulled muscle.