Bison comeback but lose in double overtime

BY STAN MADDUX

Winning could be in the future for the young New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball team judging by its late season performance against a conference opponent at home Tuesday, Feb. 21.

The Bison lost 4542 in double overtime to Our Lady of the Lake.

Last month, New Buffalo (2-16) lost to the Lakers by 16 points.

“The scores haven’t shown it but our guys are improving. They’re getting a lot better,” said head coach Nate Tripp.

Junior Elliot Bourne forced the first overtime when he dribbled swiftly down the court and nailed a 12 foot jump shot to even the score at the buzzer.

The Bison, who were trailing by 10 points in the third quarter, opened the first overtime period by taking the lead when junior Andres Becerra sank a threepoint shot.

New Buffalo again led by three points when freshman Nick Haskins hit one of two free throw attempts with 20 seconds left on the clock.

Victory was in sight for the Bison when Junior Owen McLoughlin, who’s considered one of the best players in the conference, missed a three point shot.

However, the Lakers rebounded the ball and McLoughlin put up another threepoint shot but this time, he didn’t miss as time ran out.

The Bison took the lead in the second overtime period on a lay-up from Bourne that was set up by a nifty pass from Haskins.

A three point shot from freshman Sam Tripp later gave the Bison a two point lead.

The Lakers (6-12) took the lead for good with less than two minutes left on the clock, though, when junior Matt Lage stole the ball and raced down the court for a lay-up.

A desperation three point shot by New Buffalo with just a few ticks left on the clock fell way off the mark.

“Our guys worked their butts off. They played fantastic tonight. Nothing to be upset about,” Tripp said.

The difference maker in the Bison coming back to force overtime was junior Cameron Forker, who entered the game at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

The 6’2”, 280-pound Forker, who provided a badly needed physical presence close to the rim, finished with six points and more than a half dozen rebounds.

Becerra and Tripp led the Bison with nine points apiece while Bourne contributed seven points and played outstanding defense.

Tripp said the team, which started four freshmen, has talent and a burning desire to win.

However, the players have trouble at times with mistakes caused by youth and teams with larger, more experienced players.

Tripp said the team is becoming more competitive, though, and should be a force to reckon with next season as they physically mature and sharpen up on fundamentals.

He wouldn’t rule out the possibility of pulling off an upset in the upcoming district tournament.

“We’ll be ready,” he said.