Bison stampede in Kansas

The Bison got recharged and ran past the Eagles, 58-34, for McCook's fourth straight win.

McCook opened Tuesday's road game with seven unanswered points, and it looked as if the Bison would put the game away early. But Colby fought back and took a 15-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.

"We kind of got a little bit complacent," said McCook head coach Tim Garcia, "and we allowed Colby to get back in the game."

The Bison got back in gear in the second period. McCook used a 10-0 run to take a 26-19 lead late in the half. Guard Connor Larson scored two layups off steals during the Bison scoring spurt.

Tye Smith was fouled as time expired, and he hit both free throws to give the Bison a 28-19 lead going into the locker room.

McCook outscored Colby 16-4 in the second quarter. Coach Garcia said his team committed just one turnover in the second period.

Parde shines

Dustin Parde had a strong third quarter and a strong game for the Bison. Parde scored 11 of McCook's points in a 14-0 run to start the second half. Parde, a 6-6 senior center, finished with a game-high 20 points.

"Dustin did a good job utilizing his size and strength," Coach Garcia said. "He did a really great job of establishing a post presence. He has really stepped up his performance since the GNAC Tournament."

Parde hit 9 of 14 field goals, including a 2-for-2 effort beyond the 3-point line.

Parde was the only McCook player scoring in double figures Tuesday. Coach Garcia credited the rest of the team for a good job filling their roles and supporting Parde's big scoring output.

Senior Nate Crick hit two free throws late in the third quarter to give the Bison a 46-25 lead. Garcia cleared his bench in the final quarter, as 11 McCook players got in the scoring column.

Mark Nichols, a 6-4 senior, grabbed 9 rebounds and blocked 3 shots to lead the Bison. Larson, a 6-0 junior, added 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals.

The Bison have not lost since the 50-40 decision to Columbus Dec. 31 in the fifth-place finals of the Greater Nebraska Athletic Conference Tournament at North Platte. The four-game win streak boosted McCook's season record to 9-4.

Hastings here Friday

The McCook boys return to action Friday, Jan. 15, at home against GNAC foe Hastings. Friday's varsity action is set to open at 7:45 p.m. at the Senior High gym following the McCook-Hastings girls varsity contest.

The Bison boys won a hard-fought 58-54 decision over the Tigers in the GNAC consolation semifinals at North Platte Dec. 30.

McCook returns to Colby, Kan., next week for the annual Orange and Black Tournament. The Bison are scheduled to face Wichita South Thursday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in first-round action. The McCook boys will play three games in three days in the Colby tournament.