NEW ALBANY — It was time to start a new streak — and continue another one — for the New Albany boys’ basketball squad last night.
The Bulldogs did both easily at their home and Hoosier Hills Conference opener against Columbus East, routing the Olympians 79-46. After falling to No. 1 Bloomington South last week to snap their 43-game regular season winning streak, the Bulldogs (1-1, 1-0 HHC) came out of the gates blazing against Columbus East, rolling to a big early lead and never looking back.
The Class 4A No. 4 Bulldogs continued their home dominance with their 24th straight win at the Doghouse, and coach Jim Shannon won his 200th game at the helm last night.
“I don’t think we lost any confidence with that loss,” Shannon said. “I think we played fine and our kids responded really well.”
Donnie Hale, the 6-foot-7 Purdue signee and senior, scored 11 of his game-high 22 points during the first quarter with a dizzying array of post moves and putbacks. Junior guard Chris Whitehead scored 10 points during the first half, and reserve guard Adam Stotts nailed three three-point attempts in leading New Albany to a 38-20 lead at intermission.
“It’s very important for us to get off to a quick start,” Shannon said.. “You know, last week we didn’t go to him (Hale) during the first four possessions and we didn’t score. Tonight, we did a better job of going to the well.”
Most of the Bulldog starters were sent to the bench during the fourth quarter, but the reserves continued to play well. Stotts was the second leading scorer for New Albany with 15 points, and backup center Dylan McDaniel netted eight points off the bench.
Shannon singled Whitehead, who played most of the second half and directed the reserve unit, out for praise. Whitehead finished with 14 points and eight assists.
“I think Chris did a great job runing the floor for us,” Shannon said. “He controlled the game all the way.”
New Albany’s defensive pressure also netted a differential of nine in the turnover category, and the Bulldogs scored a clear victory on the boards, 33-21.
Josh McDonald led the Olympians with 14 points, and Jackson Renshaw finished with 12. New Albany travels to Floyd Central Friday night.
COLUMBUS EAST 8 12 12 14—46
NEW ALBANY 19 19 22 19—79
Columbus East (0-1, 0-1) — McDonald 14, Renshaw 12, Kelley 2, Taylor 2, Galle 4, Imlay 3, Rich 2, Harris 2, Maley 2, Thompson 3.
New Albany (1-1, 1-0) — Hale 22, Whitehead 14, Martin 8, McDaniel 8, Stotts 15, Newbolt 4, Striegel 3, Toliver 3, Benson 2, Rohlfing 0, Meyer 0, Threatt 0.
Three-point goals — Columbus East 6 (Renshaw 4, McDonald 2); New Albany 8 (Hale, Martin 2, McDaniel, Stotts 3, Striegel)
Rebounds — Columbus East 21 (Galle 6); New Albany 33 (Hale 8)
Turnovers — Columbus East 18, New Albany 9.
Junior Varsity
New Albany 46 (7-15-14-10): Parrish 15, Striegel 5, Jones 2, Edwards 2, Kraft 4, Stubbins 5, Threatt 3, Peavler 8, Poff 2; Columbus East 40 (10-9-7-14): Ruch 7, Maley 8, Patterson 4, Thompson 9, Harris 9, Otto 3.
Floyd County Sports
HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL: Shannon wins 200th as Bulldogs blast East
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- SPORTS IN BRIEF: May 29, 2012
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BOYS' GOLF: Floyd A-team fourth at Lafayette Jeff
The Floyd Central varsity golf team put up a team score of 323 to place fourth at the Lafayette Jeff Invitational on Saturday. Meanwhile, Floyd Central was third and Providence seventh at the Legends of Providence Invite at Champions Pointe.
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GIRLS' TENNIS: Boesing advances to state
Floyd Central's Olivia Boesing advances to the state finals with a win over last year's champion, but the team fell to Evansville Memorial at Jasper on Saturday, 4-1.
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Highlanders find a way to win another close game in thrilling BNL Sectional final, 3-2
All season, the Floyd Central softball team has found ways to win close games.
On Friday night, the Highlanders won the biggest nailbiter of the 2012 season. -
TITLE DROUGHT ENDS: Pioneers win first sectional championship since 2005 with 6-4 victory over Paoli
The Providence softball team’s sectional-championship drought has finally come to an end.
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BASEBALL: Astle strikes out 10, lifts Jeff past FC
Trent Astle struck out 10, scattered five hits, and delivered an RBI single to lead Jeffersonville to a 2-0 victory over Floyd Central Thursday night in the first round of the Class 4A Jeffersonville Baseball Sectional.
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TRACK: NA’s Parrish wins twice at regional
Southern Indiana’s three biggest schools got some big-time performances at the Bloomington North Boys’ Track and Field Regional on Thursday.
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ROUNDUP: Silver Creek downs Brownstown, 18-0
Silver Creek (20-10) scored early and often in a five-inning, 18-0 victory over Brownstown Central in the opening round of the Class 3A Silver Creek Sectional on Thursday.
“We really put the barrell on the ball tonight and it was good to see,” assistant coach Scott Jennings said. “We beat a good Brownstown club tonight.” - SPORTS IN BRIEF: May 25, 2012
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TENNIS REGIONAL: Floyd Central ‘Dream Team’ wins again
Floyd Central’s “Dream Team” moved one step closer to a possible state championship on Wednesday.
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