Ira boys advance to Bulldog Classic final

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  • Ira senior Garrett Hafer looked over the defense during Thursday’s game against O’Donnell.
    Ira senior Garrett Hafer looked over the defense during Thursday’s game against O’Donnell.
  • Ira’s Matthew Brazil made a move to the basket during the Bulldogs’ 51-42 win over O’Donnell at the Ira Bulldog Classic.
    Ira’s Matthew Brazil made a move to the basket during the Bulldogs’ 51-42 win over O’Donnell at the Ira Bulldog Classic.
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IRA — The Ira Bulldogs remained undefeated, thanks to a fourth-quarter rally, with a 51-42 win over O’Donnell at the Ira Bulldog Basketball Classic Thursday.
It was the second win of the day for Ira.
The Bulldogs defeated Rotan 46-11 in the first round of the tournament and will play Roscoe at 4:40 p.m. today for the title.
Against O’Donnell, the Bulldogs (6-0) trailed 36-35 going into the fourth quarter, but used a 16-6 scoring edge to pick up the win.
Head coach Todd Wall credited his team’s determination for making the comeback.
“We stayed with it throughout the game,” Wall said. “We played well and O’Donnell was great competition and that is what we need to see. We played teams that challenged us and are happy with this win. We are gaining experience, which is the most important thing.”
Matthew Brazil, who led Ira with 19 points, made a 3-pointer at the end of the first quarter to give his team a 14-12 lead.
O’Donnell regained the lead in the second quarter before Ira finished the first half with five unanswered points. Brazil made a jump shot, Karson Valentine hit a free throw and Brazil scored on a drive to the basket to give Ira a 25-24 halftime lead.
Wall said all of his players contributed to the win, but Brazil kept the team in contention during the first half.
“Matthew had a big first half and kept us in the game,” Wall said. “Karson played great. Hunter McCowen’s defense was good and it was hard to take him off the court because of  his intensity. Ben (Fonville) gives us size on the inside. He is a deceiving player and can create problems on offense and defense for other team.”
McCowen finished with 17 points.
Wall said the fourth-quarter performance showed what the team could do in a tough situation.
“We made shots and good decisions,” he said. “We executed well. Every team we play will come out and play well against Ira.” 
Wall had to adjust the starting lineup when guard Nathan Goodwin, one of the team’s best 3-point shooters and a two-year starter, was injured in the football playoff game against White Deer. Goodwin is expected to return in January.
“Nathan’s injury has been a blessing in disguise,” Wall said. “Other guys are getting experience in game situations. We will benefit from it later in the season, especially during district. But we sure miss Nathan being out there.”

O’Donnell    12    12    12      6—42
Ira    14    11    10    16—51
O’Donnell scorers vs. Ira— Elvis Garces 11, Josiah Vasuez 10, Jochi Rodriguez 9, Nick Baltazar 6, Isiah Fernandez. 4, Blaze Garces 2.
Ira scorers vs. O’Donnell— Matthew Brazil 19, Hunter McCowen 17, Karson Valentine 9, Garrett Hafer 5, Anthony Coy 1.
Ira scorers vs. Rotan — Karson Valentine 13, Matthew Brazil 10, Hunter McCowen 9, Garrett Hafer 7, Brayden White 5, Ben Fonville 2.
JV
Ira defeated Bronte and lost to Roscoe at the tournament.
Drew Porter scored 15 points in Ira’s 34-33 win over Bronte. Holden Rios had 10 points.
Gage Peterson had eight points in Ira’s 71-27 loss to Roscoe.
Ira will play O’Donnell at 2 p.m. today in the third place game.
Ira scorers vs. Bronte — Drew Porter 15, Holden Rios 10, Zach White 4, Lexton Hernandez 3, Gage Peterson 2. 
Ira scorers vs. Roscoe — Gage Peterson 8, Zack White 6, Holden Rios 5, Cody McCowen 4, Lexton Hernandez 2, Drew Porter 2.