CASEY GEORG Special to the Press
HOLLAND — The Holland Hornets (13-5 overall, 3-0 District 27-2A) held the Thrall Tigers (19-2, 2-1) to 31 points below their season scoring average, and a season-low 43 points, and handed the Tigers a 45-43 setback Friday night. It was the Tigers’ second loss in their last three games, after starting the season 18-0.
The Tigers struggled from the field in the opening period, hitting just 3-of-19 shots from the field. All three shots came from behind the three-point arch, however, and Thrall was able to keep the game close. The Hornets held a 13-9 advantage after one quarter. Carson Ball, Breken Proctor and Payton Gillmore each scored for the Tigers.
In the second period, it was the Hornets who struggled to find the range. Holland managed just two field goals in the quarter, and, while the Tigers scored only eight points in the period, did manage to tie the score at 17 at the half. Ethan Dahl and Steven Walker each scored four for the Tigers in the second.
Holland regained the lead in the third quarter on a pair of three-point jumpers in the closing seconds that gave the Hornets a 32-31 lead going into the final period. Walker dropped in eight for the Tigers in the third, while Dawson Meiske scored four for Thrall.
The game went back and forth in the fourth quarter as Thrall got within 45-43 with 15 seconds left in regulation on a Meiske put-back score. It appeared the Hornets only had to run out the clock, but a turnover gave the Tigers one final chance with six seconds to play. Dahl took the inbounds and pulled up at the free-throw line for a potential game-tying shot, but the ball bounced off the rim, and Holland pulled down the rebound as time expired.
Walker led the Tigers with 16 points and 14 rebounds, while Meiske scored 10 and grabbed eight rebounds. Dahl finished the night with eight points and added 13 rebounds.
The Tigers will try to get back on track Tuesday night when they host the Hearne Eagles.
