Bulldogs overcome Potter-Dix with "controlled chaos"

Tre Lewis referred to the Bulldogs manic press defense as "controlled chaos."

In the aftermath of Tuesday night's hard charging 74-63 home win over Potter-Dix his description seemed apt.

The visitors led by as much as 14 at times and still held a relatively comfortable 45-37 advantage with five minutes to go in the third period. Four Coyotes-Bryant Knigge, Tyler Magninie, Jake Johnson and Trevor harms were into or on their way toward double-digit scoring. And just after the break, the were able to trade with the Bulldogs point for point.

"We knew the second half was going to be big," Magninie said. "We came out with our chins up high-probably too high."

Midway through the third, Lewis sprung into the path of a Knigge pass, scooped up the ball and raced for a layup. At that point, Peetz turned to the press and momentum shifted-suddenly and unequivocally.

The converging, trapping defense forced an immediate turnover. Josh Fiscus took advantage, converting an easy roll in. The Coyotes could not control their next inbound and Fiscus again made the visitors pay. The senior guard then intercepted a pass and fed Bradey Holtz on the baseline.

After less than two minutes of frantic action Peetz had tied things up at 45-45.

"It's always surprising," Fiscus said of the Bulldogs' ability to run and gun out of the pressure set, to suddenly reverse the tide. "That can happen in 20 seconds and our fans are starting to get used to it. I guess the surprise is wearing off."

Peetz forced two more turnovers, leading to points by Lewis, capping a 12-0 run that put the Bulldogs on top, almost for good.

Of the rapid fire minutes, Lewis explained "we got them out of their comfort zone."

But Potter-Dix is nothing if not resilient. Knigge fired off a quick 6 points to bring the Coyotes back within a couple, 53-51, as the third quarter came to an end. And Johnson took a well-timed feed from Cameron Purcell, hitting a jumper at the start of the fourth to knot the game 53-53.

The relentless pace continued to pick up as Fiscus and Lewis combined for a 6-1 run, nudging the Bulldogs back out in front. Then Potter-Dix flashed their offensive teeth again, Knigge and Johnson countering with a 6-2 stretch of their own.

With 3:33 left in the game, the Coyotes had closed to 61-60.

But that was it. Holtz nailed two from beyond the arc, framing a pair of Corbin Heller free throws. Peetz dominated the rest of the way.

"I just started hitting those recently," Holtz said of his three point touch. "If I get an open look, I take it."

The free for all pace was so intense that four players from each side ended up with double figures in the scoring column. Joining the quartet from Potter-Dix were Fiscus--who led all with 22 points--Lewis, Holtz and Heller.

"We're not used to a team that puts that much pressure on you," Coyotes head coach Chad Miller pointed out. "They have quick players--they're always moving."

Peetz returns to the hardwood on Wednesday to make up a game at Prairie. The Bulldogs host Caliche on Friday. Potter-Dix will travel to Pine Bluffs to start the weekend.

Boys Basketball

Peetz 74

Potter-Dix 63