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Sidney freshmen stopped by strong Bulldogs squad

Sidney's freshmen boys basketball team struggled against a big and talented squad from Alliance on Monday, dropping a 45-15 decision at the Cabela's Athletic Facility.

The Raiders (2-2) scoring amounted to Alex Linneman with 5 points, Zach Means with 4 and Joab Olsen, Jarod Luptak and Ryan Aurich each with 2.

In the early going Sidney managed to stay with the Bulldogs. Though they quickly fell behind 6-1, with just a foul shot dropped by Alex Linneman, Zach Means helped get the Raiders back into it. Means' 4 point run brought the Raiders to within one, but Alliance stepped out to a 12-5 lead after eight minutes.

From the end of the first quarter until the final minute of the second frame, the Bulldogs scored 18 unanswered points to take a 24-5 lead. Joab Olsen stopped the run by sinking a jumper with 50 seconds left in the half. By the end of the first 16 minutes the deficit had reached 19 at 26-7.

"We thought they would press and we prepared for a press break. But really they're just a very good team," said Kyler Cole. "That 30 (Jack Matulka) was all over me. He's really good and very physical. I guess I just have to work on matching his physical play."

While the Raiders were able to slow down the Bulldogs offense in the third quarter they were only able to score one field goal. Midway through the quarter Linneman sank a jumper from the foul line.

Linneman provided another Raiders highlight in the fourth quarter when he drove the baseline through the Bulldogs defense and dropped in a layup. A pair of free throws and a two pointer by Ryan Aurich accounted for the balance of Sidney's fourth quarter scoring.

"Mostly we tried to rebound and box out against them on defense but they were really good," said Josh Hagerman.

The Sidney freshmen are now off through the holiday break. They don't hit the hardwood in competition again until Jan. 16, when they will host Garden County. The boys squad will follow the girls game which is slated for 4 p.m.

Boys Basketball

Alliance 45

Sidney 15

 

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