Red Demons split at Ulysses

ULYSSES, Kan. — The Dodge City High School basketball teams split a pair of games on Saturday afternoon at Ulysses High School. The Red Demon girls team fell, 42-31, while the boys team won 65-59.

The girls team struggled against the Tiger zone throughout the game and really dug a hole after the first quarter, as Ulysses jumped out to a 10-4 lead. The Red Demons started to figure out a way to attack the zone in the second quarter, but still trailed 20-13 after the first half of play. Both teams struggled shooting in the opening half, as both teams were under 30 percent from the field.

The Red Demons once again struggled starting the half, as Ulysses went on a 10-0 run before a Dodge City bucket and led 34-20 after three quarters. Dodge City pulled within five a few times in the final quarter, but couldn’t get any closer than that. Sophomore Kisa Unruh led the Demons with a game-high 13 points, but Dodge City shot a season-low 28 percent from the field and posted a season-low 31 points.

The Red Demon boys team hit clutch free throws down the stretch to defeat the Tigers, 65-59. Dodge City went 6-of-6 from the free-throw line in the final minute to seal the victory. Senior Noah Sowers hit 4-of-4, while senior Bowen Smith went 2-of-2.

Ulysses actually led 16-8 after the first quarter after DC struggled to shoot the ball and play defense. The Red Demons defensive pressure got to the Tigers in the second quarter though and caused multiple turnovers. The Red Demons pulled within five, 29-24 at halftime.

The Dodge City pressure would once again be too much for the Tigers in the third quarter, as the Red Demons went on a 10-0 run to begin the quarter and took their first lead of the game late in the quarter. The Red Demons held the lead from that point on and never trailed again. Sowers led the Demons with a game-high 23 points and 10 rebounds.