The semi-final was the limit for the Cowboys this winter season. Losing 43-41 to the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Cardinals, the Cowboys were eliminated from the state qualifier tournament. The first half saw the Cardinals playing “catch-up” as the Cowboys charged through the first half aggressively. Nevertheless, the score remained close throughout the first half. The Cardinals were down throughout the majority of the first half, but never lost spirit in the game. With that said, the Cowboys managed to pin the Cardinals down, always a step in front and a point ahead. The first quarter saw the Cowboys up 10-8, while the second saw both teams scoring 10 points. The first half was won by the Cowboys as they were up 20-18 at half-time.
In the second half, it seemed as if the performances were swapped. The Cowboys started playing “catch-up” as the 17-6 Cardinals stole the lead. Both teams persisted with eager efforts for victory. The Cardinals scored 11 points in the third as the Cowboys scored eight. As the second half progressed, the score remained tight. The game simply came down to who made the most mistakes. As the fourth quarter neared its end the Cowboys gifted the Cardinals a few extra free throws, along with crucial steals that resulted in the Cardinals increasing their lead. Just a point less than the Cardinals, the Cowboys scored 13 points while conceding 14.
With just a few seconds left, the Cowboys drove the ball forward, seeking another buzzer beater to push them forward to the final at Fort Dodge. Coady Olson caught the ball with a mere two seconds left. Olson jerked right and sent the Cardinals player flying forward. It was right there ahead of him. Olson positioned himself forward, launched the ball. With 0.00 seconds left, the buzzer went off…the ball floated in the air, reaching for the hoop…then…TAP…TAP. The ball bounced off the rim TWICE as it then landed right into the hands of the Cardinals player, and the game was over. As the GHV supporters threw their hands up, the CGD athletes lowered their heads. 43-41 ended the game. With Olson’s attempt, IF the ball had bounced…TAP…TAP…SWISH…Olson would have achieved another buzzer beater and would’ve won the game 44-43. But this time it didn’t go into the favor of the Cowboys. Instead, the Cardinals faced Roland-Story on Feb. 26th where they lost 69-55. The state tournament will take place March 7-11.
Coach Jason Berning stated, “It was a tough loss.” He further explained, “It was a defensive battle as expected. Our defense did exactly what we wanted but we just could not get the ball to go in the basket. We had a great look at the end of the game and it just didn’t bounce our way, which was the story of our night.”
Though the Cowboys were denied by the Cardinals, no result can take away the fantastic season they’ve fought through. With hard work, dedication, pride, and passion, the Cowboys ended the season historically as they finished what they started.
STATS vs GHV RBD AST STL BLK PTS Jaxon Carpenter 2 3 3 0 8 Coady Olson 2 0 0 0 10 Aidan Harrington 6 0 0 1 10 Cael Chase 1 0 0 0 3 Connor State 10 3 2 1 6 Carson Nesheim 0 0 0 0 0 Tyson Berning 1 0 0 0 0 Nevan Foss 1 0 0 0 0 Landon Olson 1 1 0 0 0 Jacob Moore 4 3 1 0 4
