The Bulldogs 5th Grade Boys defeated the East Central Trojans 32-26 on Sunday afternoon at Milan Elementary to claim the crown of the HBCA Southeastern Indiana Regional Championship.
In a game of two halves, the Bulldogs overcame a slow start trailing 14-6 at half time. After several missed shots and maintaining the man to man defensive pressure, the youngsters outscored EC 26-12 in the second half to claim the back to back title. The team was led in scoring by Bradley Wirth with 8 points, Brendan Heiser came off the bench to solidly contribute 7 points and Gus Prickel had 5. Jack Grunkemeyer and Wirth were work horses on the boards with 8 and 7 rebounds respectfully. Chris Lewis, Sam Johnson, Grunkemeyer and Prickel each tallied an assist.
In the semi-final earlier in the day the Bulldogs jumped all over the Switzerland County Pacers and never let up winning 53-8. Johnson led the team in scoring with 14, followed by Lewis 13 and Jonathan Buschle 9. Lewis had 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Grunkemeyer had 6 boards and Prickel added 4 assists.
The youngsters were very impressive with 16 assists as a team and only 6 turnovers, while also out-rebounding the Pacers 34-13.
In Saturday’s pool play the team dominated Milan 58-15. Overall the team had 22 assists and outrebounded the Indians 29-11.
To earn the #1 seed going into Sunday’s bracket play, the Bulldogs defeated Franklin County 48-9 in the second game of the day.
The Bulldogs are now (22-5) on the season. The Regional Championship qualifies the team for the HBCA State Tournament in Salem on April 1st and 2nd.
Courtesy of Bulldogs Coach Paul Drake.