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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SWEET PAYBACK: Bulldogs avenge loss to Seymour with 52-44 win in 4A sectional semi
More than two weeks after losing to Seymour at the Doghouse 55-47, New Albany turned the tables on Friday with a 52-44 victory over the host Owls (17-5).
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GIRLS' HOOPS: Providence falls to Paoli, 55-39 GIRLS' HOOPS: Providence falls to Paoli in Class 2A Sectional
After falling behind early, the Providence Pioneers scrapped and clawed their way back. Unfortunately that was required on one occasion too many, and the Pioneers fell to Paoli 55-39 in the semifinals of the Class 2A Pekin Sectional.
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HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMING: Manger places in the top 16 at state
New Albany’s Hannah Manger will get one more chance to compete this season after making the top 16 in two events at the preliminary round of the IHSAA State Swimming Championship Meet.
- SPORTS IN BRIEF: Feb. 11, 2012
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CLARK-FLOYD CHAMPIONSHIPS: Parkview wins eighth-grade title game; Highland Hills takes seventh-grade crown
Highland Hills’ seventh-grade boys and Parkview’s eighth-graders each won Clark-Floyd Tournament championships Thursday at Silver Creek Middle School.
The Highland Hills’ seventh-graders outscored Parkview 12-3 in the final 2:42 for a 34-31 victory. Parkview’s eighth-graders also earned a come-from-behind triumph with a 21-5 fourth quarter to avenge their only loss of the season, 63-50 over Silver Creek. -
HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDUP: Jeff claims a share of HHC title at Jennings, 57-55
The Jeffersonville boys’ basketball team captured a piece of its first Hoosier Hills Conference championship since the 2005-06 season on Thursday night, winning at Jennings County 57-55.
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POOLSIDE: Local accomplishment the focus at state
The likelihood of a local girl bringing home a state championship at the IHSAA State Swimming Championship meet in Indianapolis this Friday and Saturday is incredibly slim.
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CLASS 4A SECTIONAL: Highlanders lose in double OT to Seymour; Jeff falls to BNL
It was a heartbreaking night for the Clark-Floyd area in the first round of the Class 4A Seymour Sectional.
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CLASS 2A SECTIONAL: Providence guts out win over Henryville, 40-31
The Providence girls’ basketball squad advanced to the Class 2A Eastern Sectional semifinal against Paoli with a gritty, 40-31 win over Henryville Tuesday.
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CLASS A SECTIONAL: Borden cruises through first round
Defending Class A Sectional champion Borden rode a fast start and stellar defense to a first-round, 47-21 sectional win over Christian Academy of Indiana Tuesday night.
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