Lopez Lobos surrender to the Tulalip Hawks

The Lopez Lobos fell to the Hawks 40-59 Friday night, after fighting hard. At the end of the second quarter, the game was tied 29-29. Matched well in skills and defensive savvy, the two teams battled each other at both ends of the court. Colton Jardine broke free several times scoring for the Lobos, putting in three pointers as well as taking full advantage of the court and speeding down to the basket to make an undeterred field goal. The Hawks were no slouches and numerous times leapt in the way of Lobo passes, stopping offensive momentum and plowing down the court and scoring themselves, despite skilled coverage from the Lobos. Both teams had some spectacular shooting and both teams were productive on the rebound.

February 2, 2009 8:24 pm
Lobo Kevin Dengler drives into the key.
Lobo Kevin Dengler drives into the key.

The Lopez Lobos fell to the Hawks 40-59 Friday night, after fighting hard. At the end of the second quarter, the game was tied 29-29. Matched well in skills and defensive savvy, the two teams battled each other at both ends of the court. Colton Jardine broke free several times scoring for the Lobos, putting in three pointers as well as taking full advantage of the court and speeding down to the basket to make an undeterred field goal. The Hawks were no slouches and numerous times leapt in the way of Lobo passes, stopping offensive momentum and plowing down the court and scoring themselves, despite skilled coverage from the Lobos. Both teams had some spectacular shooting and both teams were productive on the rebound.

The game started off in the second half with the Hawks putting a full on defense around the Lobos, wrapping themselves around the ball-carrier and harassing all the way down in offensive territory. The Lobos finally broke free with an offensive feint and a drop off to Kevin Dengler that failed to drop in the hoop. Midway through the third quarter the Lobos trailed 35-29. A time out was called to break the Hawks’ scoring momentum. A Lobo dropped his attention for one moment around the key, standing too close to an opponent and within seconds the Hawks had scored again.

Jardine passed it off to Shawn Samuel, usually a rebounding maniac, but despite being careful the Lobos offense was repulsed at the basket and scoreless. Fouls as well plagued both teams, but in the third quarter the Lobos led in fouls. The Hawks seemed to sense their upswing and pressed the advantage, leading 29-37 close to the end of the third quarter. Alex Buffum, usually able to get several three pointers on the board, warranted two defenders most of the time, frustrating him and shutting him down. He hung onto the ball several times, trying to get a clear shot or a decent pass to push through an offensive play. Kevin Dengler was fouled in the key and turned that opportunity golden, scoring twice on his free throws, but the Lobos fell in the fourth quarter 40-59.

The Lopez Lobos play again Monday, Feb. 2 at Lopez High School against North Sound Christian.