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No. 2 Demons fall in overtime
Washington storms back to force extra time, fall short against Ottumwa
Andy Krutsinger
Jan. 25, 2022 10:23 am, Updated: Jan. 26, 2022 11:47 am
WASHINGTON — The second-ranked (3A) Washington boys basketball team has taken big steps this season, but on Monday night a hot-shooting Ottumwa squad forced the Demons to take a small step back.
Washington and Ottumwa traded punches all night long, but it was the Bulldogs who got a few more shots in during the overtime period. Ottumwa grinded out 58-50 win, just the Demons’ second loss of the season.
“It's the highs and lows,” said Washington head coach Collin Stark. “I think the biggest thing that you can look at is that we didn't play to our potential in that first half.”
Washington couldn’t get anything to go right in the first two quarters. Ottumwa led 12-8 after one quarter and 25-16 at halftime.
The Demons’ starting backcourt combined for just two points in the first half, but the guards led the spark in the final two periods, especially Travis Leyden, who scored a quick eight points in the third quarter to help will the Demons back into the game. Kasen Bailey’s 3-pointer from the top of the key tied the game at 27-27 midway through the period.
“The first four minutes of that third quarter, we tied it up,” Stark said. “It's great to get there, but now we have to continue to push forward.”
Ottumwa held a 31-29 advantage after three quarters, and stretched that advantage in the fourth. The Demons used a full-court press to stage a late comeback, and Aden Six, who started for the injured Lance Sobaski, hit a clutch baseline floater in the final 10 seconds to send the game to overtime at 46-46.
“It was great to see him step up to the opportunity,” said Stark. “When we get Lance back, we've got six starters. That's going to be tough for any team to go up against.”
But alas, Ottumwa had more in the tank in the fourth quarter. Ottumwa outscored Washington 12-4 in the extra period.
Lucas Kroll led the Demons with 15 points. Bailey finished with nine. Leyden had eight. Ethan Patterson scored seven. Ajay Six and Avery Six scored four apiece. Aden Six had two, and Grant Sobaski scored one.
The Demons were haunted all night by Ottumwa junior Allen Cook. The Bulldog big man had made just nine 3-pointers all season coming into the game, but hit six of his 10 attempts to lead Ottumwa to victory.
“That's the game of basketball,” said Stark. “Someone gets hot, and they get comfortable, and we just have to adjust.”
Washington fell to 12-2 with the loss. They will take a 6-1 Southeast Conference into home game against Burlington (10-6, 5-1) on Friday night.
Washington’s Kasen Bailey takes a shot while hounded by a pair of Ottumwa defenders on Monday night. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)
Washington’s Ethan Patterson launches a 3-pointer during the Demons’ overtime loss to Ottumwa on Monday night. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)
Washington’s Avery Six goes up for a layup during the Demons’ 58-50 overtime loss against Ottumwa on Monday night. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)