R.A. Hubbard dashes Belgreen’s regional hopes
The Belgreen Bulldogs (26-4) had not lost a game on their home court in three years until Tuesday night – and it was a heartbreaker.
With the game tied 37-37, Belgreen senior guard Will Bonner went in for a layup that rolled in and out. R.A. Hubbard’s Cookie Cobb rebounded the ball on the floor and was fouled with just less than one second to go in the game. Cobb went to the free-throw line on the other end of the floor and made the shot to win the game for the Chiefs, ending an incredible run for eight Belgreen seniors.
“I am so disappointed for our seniors,” said Belgreen Coach Marty Cooper. “They had never lost a home game until tonight, and it was such a tough way to lose. They played their tails off, but we just couldn’t make it happen.
“My worst fears were realized. We just couldn’t make shots tonight. We got open looks but just couldn’t get the ball to go in.”
It appeared from the opening tip that Belgreen was going to run away with the game. The Bulldogs went on a 12-0 run to start the game, with Will Bonner scoring 10 of the team’s first 12 points.
R.A. Hubbard didn’t score a basket until six seconds to go in the first quarter on an inbounds-under layup.
The Chiefs scored again to open the second quarter, making the score 12-4.
Belgreen led 19-10 with 4:27 to go in the second quarter, but Hubbard cut the Bulldogs’ lead to 19-14 with two minutes to go in the first half. Belgreen stopped the Chiefs’ run on two straight baskets by Jordan Wright to push the Bulldogs lead back out to 24-16.
Belgreen led 24-18 at the half.
R.A. Hubbard outscored Belgreen 12-7 in the third quarter to cut the Bulldogs’ lead to 31-30.
It came down to free throws in the fourth quarter. R.A. Hubbard went six-for-eight from the free-throw line, including the game winner. Bonner went three-for-six in the fourth quarter after making 11 of his first 12 free throws.
Will Bonner led Belgreen with 18 points. He was followed by Colin Bonner with nine points, Wright with five points, Adrian Reeves with three points and Cole King with two points.
Belgreen seniors end their basketball career with a three-year record of 79-14 – an incredible run indeed.
