Bearcats pounce on Bison early during big win

McCook senior Logan Barenberg (2) clarly fakes at least two Scottsbluff Bearcats into the air while looking for an inside shot at MHS Friday night. Bearcat Chance Parker (24) recovered as his team downed the Bison for their 20th win this season.

Steve Towery/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — Blame North Platte for Scottsbluff Bearcat hackles being up when they arrived in McCook Friday night.

The Class B power Bearcats were ambushed at North Platte Thursday night with a defeat almost nobody could have expected.

“It was like a hit to the stomach,” Scottsbluff coach Scott Gullion confirmed on Friday.

So no way would the Bearcats be caught off-guard again before they made that majestic mult-hour return trip to their Panhandle homes.

Instead, Scottsbluff blasted into a 16-6 lead through one quarter and really never allowed McCook any rally hopes during this 68-42 victory Friday night.

Scottsbluff captured its 20th win of the season (20-3) while spoiling the final regular-season home game for Bison seniors Jordan Chauncy, Cam Berry, Konor Rakes, Logan Barenberg and injured Bryan Leslie.

Sophomore Cole Cappel connected on a trio of three-pointers to follow his 25-point effort in the McCook win over Gering.

All healthy McCook seniors also reached the scoring column with Chauncy’s six points during that second half.

Berry drilled a three to continue his improved outside shooting season.

Barenberg battled inside for four points and any rebound or loose ball he could reach.

McCook can rebound at Cozad Thursday night in the regular-season finale against those Haymakers, who surprised North Platte last week.

BISON (11-10 record) — Cole Cappel 11 points, Jordan Chauncy 6, Cam Berry 5, Konor Rakes 5, Mark Arp 5, Josh Hegwood 5, Logan Barenberg 4, Ty Stevens 1. Three-pointers: Cappel 3, Berry, Hegwood.

BEARCATS (20-3) —Senior Jasiya DeOllos scored a game-high 19 points for the Class B top-five ranked Scottsbluff Bearcats.