Senior leads Bison boys, who host playoff opener next week

COZAD, Neb. — McCook High’s boys are getting closer and closer to taking down a high-rated foe with those best shots still ahead.

Coach Joe Imus saw his basketball team trade several leads with a Cozad Haymaker team that’s lost only twice all season — both to unbeaten C-1 No. 1 Ogallala.

They were tied 35-35 at halftime, 55-55 early in Thursday’s final quarter then 60-60 at the end of regulation.

Though Cozad eventually scored a 73-68 overtime win, the Bison (17-7) really shouldn’t lose any confidence entering Class B subdistrict play next week.

In fact, McCook will be at home on Thursday when the Alliance Bulldogs invade for that first playoff game.

McCook’s still listed No. 10 in Class B power points today with Alliance (11-12) No. 20 among those 33 “B” teams.

The top 16 advance into district finals following next week’s subdistricts.

A B-6 win will pit McCook against either Elkhorn North (15-5) or Lincoln Standing Bear (9-13) for that subdistrict final on Monday, March 2, in that highest seed’s home gym.

The Bison are No. 2 behind Elkhorn North.

Hopefully, senior Trey Tiller will bring his shooting touch after scoring 22 vs. Gering last week and 27 in Cozad Thursday.

Tiller brought those Bison alive with his two-pointer before hitting two trips for an early 11-4 advantage.

The Haymakers (22-2) quickly responded with seven straight for an 11-11 tie before sophomore Mason West’s runner put those Bison ahead again.

Tiller’s third three caught Cozad again at 19-19. When junior Tripp Raile rainbowed an awesome arching three-point bomb swishing through the net, McCook actually led 30-26.

Yet those Haymakers knew how to make hay whether it was senior Oliver Davis (26 points) or two other high scorers.

Senior Brody Graham did his usual great slithering work near the hope for a 57-55 lead.

Following another of several reverse layups for Cozad, Tiller’s last trifecta formed the another lead at 60-57.

Graham drew one more foul and two-for-two free throws made that final Bison advantage of 62-60.

Sadly, Cozad answered with a game-tying shot and neither team could score before overtime arrived. BISON (17-7 record): Trey Tiller 27 points, Tripp Raile 17, Brody Graham 12, Kooper Rakes 7, Trenton Raile 2, Mason West 2.

HAYMAKERS (22-2) — Senior Oliver Davis scored 26 points,