ABILENE — Despite 32 points from seniors Nathan Goodwin and Karson Valentine, the Ira Bulldogs saw their season come to a close in a 53-49 overtime loss to Aspermont in the Region 2 bi-district round of the basketball playoffs.
Goodwin and Valentine did their best to keep the season alive, but the Hornets’ 11 points in overtime proved to be too much to overcome.
Goodwin carried the bulldogs early. The senior guard scored 11 points in the first half. Valentine added five points, but the Hornets led 23-22 at the half.
Valentine came on strong in the second half, scoring two points in the third quarter and six in the fourth to power the Bulldogs late. Seniors Matthew Brazil and Anthony Coy each added two points but the Bulldogs could not outscore the Hornets and the teams headed to overtime tied 42-42.
In the overtime period, sophomore Holden Rios hit a 3-pointer and Goodwin and Valentine combined for another four points, but the Bulldogs couldn’t match the Hornets’ 11 points.
Ira finished the season 21-7 and finished third in District 13-1A with a 5-5 record.
Ira scorers: Nathan Goodwin, 17 points; Karson Valentine, 15 points; Brayden White, 6 points; Matthew Brazil, 4 points; Holden Rios, 3 points; Anthony Coy, 2 points; Drew Porter, 2 points.