McCook boys scrap with Bearcats but fall short

McCook senor Cam Berry aims for a shot around Scottsbluff’s Dawson Mohr (right) during their GNAC tournament first-round game at Columbus High Thursday night. Berry scored 10 points against the unbeaten Bearcats and senior Konor Rakes (left) added nine against strong defenders like Jasiya DeOllos (13).

Columbus Telegram photo

COLUMBUS, Neb. — McCook’s hustling barrage of offensive rebounds showed the Bison should be ready to battle upcoming GNAC tournament opponents.

“Credit to McCook. I thought they played their tails off,” Scottsbluff coach Scott Gullion said even though the undefeated Bearcats scored a 69-44 first-round win Thursday night. “Especially going for rebounds on the offensive end and loose balls. I thought they got to them better than we did.”

Sophomore Josh Hegwood ignited McCook’s effort when he scored six third-quarter points. The Bison unleashed an 11-2 surge to start that second half at Columbus High School.

Unfortunately for McCook, the boys were trying to climb from a 38-16 halftime deficit.

Senior Logan Barenberg made the opening basket, but Scottsbluff (9-0) really started fast with a 25-6 first quarter featuring six Bison turnovers.

Sophomore Cole Cappel’s offensive putback formed a 4-4 tie — yet the Bearcats were leading 20-6 in what seemed like just one or two blinks.

“We had a real good first quarter,” Gullion confirmed during his post-game radio interview. “We got baskets in transition and really played well defensively. Then we kind of coasted a little bit.”

The Bison (3-4 record) actually went on a 20-9 run after falling behind 31-7.

Senior Cam Berry dashed to the hoop and hit a smooth floater and stepped outside for his first “triple” of this tournament.

Perhaps the best moment was Berry challenging Scottsbluff’s Sebastian Harsh and scoring over this Class B all-state football quarterback.

However, McCook needed more baskets to avoid dropping into GNAC consolation play.

The Bison will meet Scottsbluff’s main rival, Gering, at 3:45 p.m. today. Gering (2-6) lost 71-36 to Hastings in other GNAC action.

Unofficial scoring summaries:

McCOOK (44) — Cam Berry 10 points, Josh Hegwood 10, Konor Rakes 9, Logan Barenberg 6, Cole Cappel 6, Bryan Leslie 3.

SCOTTSBLUFF (69) — Junior Dawson Mohr’s 20 points topped the 9-0 Bearcats with senior Jasiya DeOllos adding 18.