Savage Heat sizzle in game against Charlo

HOT SPRINGS – The Savage Heat came out strong against Charlo Saturday night and the intensity continued throughout all four quarters. The full house responded to the scuffles and scrapes of the physical game with roars of excitement.

Jimmy Holland scored early in the first quarter keeping the Savage Heat neck-and-neck with Charlo. The game was chaotic with ball possession rapidly switching back and forth. Tanner Hoff shot a beautiful three-pointer with seconds left in the first quarter making the score 11-17.

The second quarter began with a foul called on Charlo. Savage Heat Trevor Paro made both free-throws making the score 13-17. The Savage Heat continued to fight their way back with Paro and Hoff making consecutive baskets bringing the score 17-22. Jarod White took a nice shot but was knocked down hard. The sacrifice earned the Savage Heat another two points and the score was 23-29 going into halftime.

Hoff scored early in the second half leaving the Savage Heat trailing Charlo by six points. He collided hard with a Charlo player resulting in an injury but continued to play. Charlo received several calls for holds and pushes. Both teams were given warnings from the referees for playing too rough. Sam Hoff made a two-pointer and made the score 40-41 with 28 seconds before the final quarter.

The crowd erupted when the Savage Heat shot two consecutive baskets and James Morigeau made the score 48-53 with four and a half minutes on the clock. Holland was knocked down and given two free-throws. He made the first but missed the second and the Savage Heat trailed Charlo by ten points. They never let up and Holland scored with 15 seconds left on the clock. The final score was 53-67 and the loss was difficult to swallow.

“It was a tough game. We probably should have won that one but it slipped away,” Head Coach Ricky DePoe said.

There were a few key things the boys struggled with but desire and nerves were the most crippling.

“We missed free-throws and some easy shots underneath, nerves got the best of us,” Coach DePoe said. “They wanted to beat these guys so much because this game was crucial as far as the standings go. That was the big issue. They wanted it too bad”

Charlo had just defeated the then number two ranked Arlee the previous night. If the Savage Heat had won they would have moved up the ranks but next week they will have another chance. The Savage Heat will take on Arlee at home and if they win they will increase their standing.

Coach DePoe praised Tanner for having some nice outside shots and several rebounds underneath the basket. Morigeau also played well according to Coach DePoe. He came out in the third quarter and scored five points in a minute which really helped the team mentally stay in the game. White assisted in a similar way.

“Jarod White always puts in a solid performance,” Coach DePoe said. “He has been a rock for us to lean on.”

The game was a battle for the Savage Heat, but next time they meet Charlo they will be seeking redemption. The second game of the scrappy teams will be in mid-February and is sure to be thrilling.

“It is a good game every time we play them,” Coach DePoe said. “It is exciting to watch and even more exciting to coach.”