Bison boys lose against Howardsville Christian

BY STAN MADDUX

The New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball team stayed within striking distance until a second half collapse at Howardsville Christian Friday, Feb. 24.

The Bison lost 74-44.

The defeat came three days after forcing Our Lady of the Lake into double overtime in a near comeback victory at home.

“It’s been two steps forward and one step back all season long,” said head coach Nate Tripp.

New Buffalo (2-17) trailed by 14 points at halftime then narrowed the lead to seven points early in the third quarter.

However, the young Bison, like they have in many games, went through a dry spell marked by poor shooting and mental lapses on both sides of the court, Tripp said.

Tripp said the team began making fewer mistakes recently after he simplified his system but problems surfaced again with things like players being out of position and failing to properly communicate with each other.

He said the Eagles (13-8) are a better team than last year but felt the outcome should have been much closer.

“We’ve been really starting to play some great basketball and to come out against Howardsville Christian so flat the way we did is extremely disappointing,” he said.

New Buffalo, though, had no answer for 6’5” senior Sam Nagle, who scored 26 points.

The athletic Nagle can score from the outside and while driving toward the rim.

Tripp said senior Landon Haskins, who was battling injuries, did well at guarding Nagle but had to come out of the game for rest at times.

“He had a nice game for us. He was definitely a bright spot,” he said.

Haskins finished with eight points.

The Eagles also capitalized on their other outside shooters whenever they were left wide open from the Bison, double teaming Nagle on defense.

New Buffalo, which often has three to four freshmen in the starting lineup, opens the District 4 tournament against Countryside Academy (11-8) at 5:30 p.m. March 6.

Our Lady of the Lake is hosting the post season tourney this season.