Win and advance

The Lexington Bulldogs will be in Purcell on Saturday for a third time. This time they face the familiar foe in the District tournament at 7:30 p.m.

Monday night, the Bulldogs picked up a third win over Davis, 48-38.

“That was a good win, but costly for us as two starters had injuries making me go further into the bench than I like,” head coach Tyler Thetford said.

Down 12-8 after the first quarter, Lexington pulled ahead to hold a 28-23 lead at halftime.

They never relinquished the lead and held on for a 10-point win.

Zeke Faulkenberry led the team with 20 points.

Last Friday, Lexington lost the second edition of the Battle of the Bridge, 77-41.

“We won the first quarter and were still holding a lead late in the second quarter when they hit a few threes,” Thetford said.

The second half was a different story as turnovers plagued Lexington and Purcell pulled away to win handily.

Knowing that Lexington would be in Purcell again for Districts, Thetford kept his hand close to the vest and subbed to allow playing time for younger guys.

Trey Hartzog and Ty Mixon were the leading scorers in the loss with 15 and 11.

Zeke Faulkenberry, who is usually a high scorer for Lexington got into foul trouble and only played seven game minutes.

Last Tuesday, Lexington picked up an overtime win over Bridge Creek, 75-68.

“We had some shots fall and tough calls go our way and each time that built our confidence,” Thetford said.

Tied up at 65 at the end of regulation, the Bulldogs outscored Bridge Creek 10-3 to win it all.

“Zeke and Ezra had key steals at the end of the game to secure the win.”

Four Bulldogs were in double figures in the win. Zeke finished with 20, Ezra had 17, Hartzog had 13 and Drew Dierking had 11.

Girls

It has been a tough week for the Lady ‘Dawgs as they dropped an overtime loss to Bridge Creek last Tuesday, 62-54, a close game with District rival Purcell, 52-49 on Friday, and their final home game against Davis, 38-25 on Monday night.

Head coach Jacobi Couch said his team played one of their toughest, most physical games against Davis. The girls gave a lot of effort and he was pleased.

Despite trailing the whole game against Purcell, Lexington outscored the Dragons in the final quarter to close the gap. But they couldn’t

“We fought really hard and played aggressive defense. The ball just didn’t bounce our way that game,” Couch said.

Abby Sample and Addi Lippel were the leading scorers with 13 and 12.

Last Tuesday, Lexington dropped an overtime loss to Bridge Creek.

“They got us in overtime. When teams that you are supposed to beat get you in deep waters, it’s hard to hold them off. Congrats to them,” Couch said.

Maddie Manuel led the Lady ‘Dawgs with 22.

“Maddie is a mismatch. She could have had 35 against Bridge Creek if she wasn’t in foul trouble.”

Lexington matches up with Purcell on Saturday for the District tournament at 6 p.m. This will be their third meeting this season.

“After that last game, the girls feel really confident. If we do a few things different, it’s a different ball game.

“We’re going in with a winning mind set and see if we can’t come out with a win,” Couch said.

Couch is hoping he can have Manuel playing loose and free.

“When Maddie is out of foul trouble, playing loose, we’re a much better team.”

He also said he’ll be relying on Rylee Beason’s leadership and Abby Sample’s shooting.

“Rylee shows up for us. She’s good at knowing where everyone is supposed to be. And Abby has had good games shooting the basketball,” Couch said.

“We’ll take it one game at a time.”