Frigid shooting results in Tigers first loss

Falls City High fell victim to the proverbial “lid on the basket” Saturday when the Plattsmouth Blue Devils visited McIntyre-Henderson Field House and handed the Tigers their first loss of the season, 52-39

The Tigers, now 4-1, entered the day shooting nearly 40 percent from downtown, finished 1-for-18 from 3-point range while the Blue Devils drained 7 of their 14 3-point attempts.

“That is the only story of the game,” FCHS head coach Don Hogue said, referring to his team’s ice-cold performance from behind the arc. “We battled everywhere else. We defended well.”

The Tigers forced 23 Plattsmouth turnovers, but could not capitalize, particularly in the second half as the Blue Devils, who led 24-22 at the break, knocked down 3-of-5 3-point attempts in the third quarter and pushed their lead to 42-29. FC missed all four 3-point attempts in the third and were a frigid 1-for-9 from downtown in the fourth quarter. Overall, FC was 12-for-43 (27.9 percent) from the floor.

“They were all pretty good looks, but just didn’t fall,” said Hogue.

Adding insult to the day was the fact that FC entered the game with a team free-throw percentage at nearly 78 percent, but converted only 14-of-23 (61 percent) FT’s against Plattsmouth.

Plattsmouth, now 4-2, were led by Travis Sabatka and Hunter Hermida who each drilled three 3-pointers and finished the game with 16 and 11 points, respectively.

Junior Jordy Stoller led FC with eight points, while a trio of Tigers – senior Mitchell Harling and juniors Jack Hartman and Weston Witt – each scored seven points.

Stoller added five steals, Harling five assists and Hartman recorded five rebounds.

The Tigers, once again, travel to St. Joe for the annual Bishop LeBlond Holiday Tournament where they face Tarkio, MO at 3 p.m. Friday in the first round. Win and FC plays Saturday at 6 p.m, lose and they play at noon. The championship game is set for next Monday night at 6:30; 3rd place consolation is set for 3:30 Monday; 5th place, 12:30 Monday.

Scoring vs. Plattsmouth
FC – Stoller 8, Harling 7, Hartman 7, Witt 7, Mount 4, Hogue 4, DiGiacomo 2.
PHS – Sabatka 16, Hermida 11, Pellan 8, Dukes 8, Siemonsma 8, Santee1.