The DeKalb County Tigers put some big points on the board this week, traveling to Smith County on Tuesday, before hosting Warren County on Friday night.
In the Smith County game, the Tigers came away with 12 points in the first period, with Conner Close inching his way closer to the 1,000-point mark, hitting a two-pointer, a three-pointer, and a free throw. Dallas Kirby added a two-point basket, while Seth Fuson and Jon Hendrix each had a pair of free throw points. Smith County put nine on the board.
It was a repeat for the Tigers in the second, adding another 12 to the board. Close hit a pair of two-point shots, a three-pointer and a free throw, while Kirby had a two-pointer and a couple of free throws. The Owls also put 12 on the board, but DeKalb held the 24-21 halftime lead.
The Tigers added 17 points in the third period. Jordan Parker got on the board with a three-pointer, two-pointer, and a pair of free throws, while Close had a two-point basket and three free throw points. Hendrix and Kirby each had a two-pointer, while Alex Antoniak added a free throw point. Smith was held to 14, giving DeKalb the 41-35 lead.
DCHS kept rolling in the fourth putting 18 points on the board. Kirby hit three two-point shots, Close had two, and Antoniak had one. Hendrix and Fuson each had a two-pointer and a free throw point. The Owls only managed 14 points, giving the Tigers the 59-49 win.
The following Friday, the Tigers were in front of the hometown crowd as they hosted Warren County and former DeKalb basketball coach Danny Fish. It would be a close game, but DeKalb would come out on top.
The Tigers put eight points on the board in the first period, with Parker, Hendrix, Antoniak, and Close each getting a two-point basket. The Pioneers would jump with 14 points and the lead.
DeKalb got moving in the second period, scoring 16 points. Close hit three two-point shots and a couple of free throws, while Antoniak had a two-pointer and a pair of free throw points. Fuson and Hendrix each had a two-point basket. Warren was held to eight, giving the Tigers a narrow 24-22 lead at the half.
Close hit four two-point shots and a free throw for the Tigers in the third period, while Hendrix added a couple of two-point baskets. Antoniak and Kirby also had two-pointers. The Pioneers were held to 11 points. The Tigers were up 41-33.
DeKalb saved the best for last, scoring 20 points on the Pioneers in the fourth. Close had a two-pointer and four free throws, Parker a two-pointer and two free throws, Antoniak had a couple of two-point shots, Fuson four free throw points, and Kirby two free throws. The Pioneers also scored 20, but it wasn’t enough. The Tigers claimed the 61-53 victory.
