Demons suffer first loss in battle of unbeatens

FORT MADISON — The fifth rated Washington Demons boy’s basketball team suffered its first loss of the season Tuesday night to the ninth ranked Fort Madison Bloodhounds, 56-46, fracturing a six game win streak.

It wasn’t Washington’s night. The Demons struggled to find any offensive rhythm early in the contest, and missed opportunities at the foul line. Despite jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first two minutes of the game, the Demons would go on to score just two points over the next six minutes. It’s the lowest scoring quarter for the Washington this season.

“They (Fort Madison) were the first to the basketball every time,” Washington head coach Collin Stark said. “We were up here feeling pretty good and then we just kinda got knocked in the mouth a little bit, and now we’re down here. Which way do you go from here?”

Fort Madison took advantage of the scoring woes going on a 20-2 run, giving the Bloodhounds a 20-5 advantage after one quarter of play.

The Demons began to click in the second, limiting Fort Madison to just four points, while scoring 11 of their own, cutting the Bloodhound lead at the half to eight points, 24-16.

In the third, Washington came within five points of the lead after beginning the quarter on a 9-6 run, trailing just 30-25 midway through the quarter.

Those five points would be the closest the Demons would come, as Fort Madison had the answer.

“We came back,” Stark said. “We cut the lead down to five, but then in that second half the calls didn’t go our way. That happens. It’s how can we respond to that, but we just didn’t have a response.”

The Bloodhounds would end the third and begin the fourth with a 10-0 run, tying their largest lead of the game of 15 points. Washington trailed 40-25, a quarter through the fourth.

With Washington down by 15, the Demon’s Kasen Bailey picked up four easy points — bringing his point total to 18 for the game — cutting the lead to 40-29.

Down the stretch, fouls were the Demon’s downfall.

Despite Washington bringing the game to within seven points at one point — down 48-41 with just over a minute to play — free throws were the deciding factor. In the fourth quarter alone, Fort Madison accumulated 13 of it 19 points from the foul line.

“That’s tough, and I feel for the guys because we had a goal to end the break on a high note,” Stark said. “Now it’s kind of a sour taste and hopefully that sour taste fuels us for the second half.”

Washington was led by Bailey, who finished the game with 18 points. Lucas Kroll added 10 points. Travis Leyden chipped in eight. Ethan Patterson ended with five. Lance Sobaski finished with three and Aden Six two.

Washington is now 6-1 on the season and 3-1 in Southeast Conference play. Following winter break, the Demons will be back in action in 2022 on Jan. 4 on the road against Albia.

Fort Madison now sits atop the conference at 7-0 overall and 4-0 in the SEC.

“Usually, we’ve got a 24 hour rule and move on, but at the same time you hang on to how you felt,” Stark said. “Especially when you're here on the road and hear the celebration. That’s gotta stay with you, because that’s going to make sure we’re ready when we see them again.”

Comments: hunter.moeller@southeastiowaunion.com