Bulldogs still undefeated in District play

The Thorndale Bulldogs boys’ basketball team returned home to host the Little River Academy Bumblebees on Friday, Jan. 3. The Bulldogs were victorious and defeated the Bumblebees 59-42. Thorndale remained home to host the Granger Lions on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The Bulldogs demolished Granger 71-32.

Thorndale began the game with a layup by Case McDaniel (0) for a 2-0 start, then Granger quickly took the lead 3-2. The rest of the quarter was completely even and the first quarter ended with Thorndale ahead 16-14. The Bulldogs scored first in the second quarter with a basket by Braden Pickel (33) for an 18-14 lead. The Bulldogs continued their spurt with a three pointer by McDaniel to make it a 23-14 lead. That was soon followed with an incredible fastbreak layup by Tristan Garcia (11) off a steal to widen the margin to 25-17. Gunner Ferguson (10) joined in on the action with back-to-back three pointers for a double digit 31-17 lead. The Bulldogs went into halftime ahead 33-22. 

Thorndale scored first in the third quarter with a three pointer by Garcia for a 36-22 advantage. The Bulldogs used that momentum to start the quarter on a 9-2 run to grow their lead to 42-24. Thorndale piled on with a layup by Ethan Schramm (12) off an assist by Ferguson for a commanding 44-24 lead. The Bulldogs expanded the margin to 51-25, which would be the score at the end of the third quarter. 

Thorndale started the fourth quarter on an 8-0 run to give them a 61-25 lead, which began with a layup by Pickel off an assist by Ferguson. The Bulldogs continued the onslaught with a three point make by Ferguson for 64-29 advantage. That was soon followed with a successful three point play by Jacob Jackson (3) for a gigantic 69-32 lead, and the Bulldogs would win the match 71-32. 

With this victory, Thorndale has a record of 15-7 and a district record of 3-0.

 Up next, the Bulldogs will travel to take on the Holland Hornets. The game will be Friday, Jan. 10 and tip off is set for 7:15 p.m.