By Travis Smola
Frustrations continue for the Vicksburg boys’ varsity basketball team as they came just a few baskets away from upsetting rival Edwardsburg on home court. The Bulldogs gave a colossal effort, but ultimately fell to the Eddies 53-47 in the game’s final minutes.
Vicksburg found themselves down early in the contest, but came roaring back several times, once as close as three points. Several missed free throws in the first and second period ended up looming heavily as the Bulldogs tried to mount a comeback in the later periods. Malik Bloodworth led the scoring for Vicksburg, with a couple of key three-pointers and two field goals for 10 points. Lucas Johnson was the next leading scoring with nine points on two free throws, two field goals and a three-pointer. RJ Vallier contributed seven points on a three and two field goals, as did Carter Brown. Grant Anderson had six points. Luke Bainter had four, and Cody Hatridge contributed a three to round out the scoring.
The Bulldogs were down 40-33 after the third period and managed to get things within three points late in the fourth period. A late foul led to Edwardsburg taking a four-point lead with 23 seconds left to go in the game. Vicksburg re-gained possession and tried to get the late three to at least give them a chance, but the ball failed to go.
Vicksburg has only one win since the team returned from holiday break, a 44-41 nailbiter against Sturgis. Since their return, the Bulldogs have lost to Portage Northern and Niles. The team’s record stands at 3-9 after they picked up a 64-35 home court win against Dowagiac. They then lost a nailbiter against Otsego that went into overtime where the Bulldogs lost 57-50.