Plains: 69, Hot Springs: 67

HOT SPRINGS – Despite a sudden turnaround, the Plains Horsemen came out on top in Saturday’s county rivalry game against the Hot Springs Savage Heat.

Plains leapt ahead early, gaining a strong lead and denying the home team any points. Halfway through the quarter, though, Hot Springs broke through the Plains defense and got on the board thanks to a series of free throws. As the clock wound down, both teams pressed hard for points; Hot Springs was able to close in on Plains, keeping themselves a threat and reigning back Plains’ strong initial lead. The first quarter closed out with a score of 11-16 to Plains.

The second quarter saw Plains open their lead again, pulling ahead of the home team. Hot Springs tried to come back and pull them back again, but the Horsemen were able to hold at 10 points. Both teams fought hard, both advancing with Plains opening their lead more. As halftime began, the score was 26-39 to Plains.

In the start of the second half, the Savage Heat fought to come back, but Plains kept them at a 13-point lead. The home team was able to break through their defense, though, and closed in some; both teams were playing hard and closed the quarter with a score of 46-52.

As the final quarter started, it looked like Plains would win by a landslide; however, at four minutes left, Hot Springs rallied and broke through the Plains defense to tie the score. Plains pushed just ahead with a free throw; Hot Springs pulled ahead with their own at two and a half minutes, making it anyone’s game again.

The final points of the game were decided in free throws as both teams exchanged the lead, trying to edge ahead. In the end, a final free throw by Plains’ Trent Brouillette, with eight seconds left, cemented the Horsemen’s victory at 67-69.

Plains Head Coach Carl Benson recalled the last time they played Hot Springs was another very close game and this one worked out well for them. He attributed the intensity to the county rivalry and noted Plains could play them again in District competition.

Benson recalled everyone played very well and it was a big team effort.

The coach is keeping a level head and not losing sight of this week’s games and how they relate to entering Districts. The Horsemen play Noxon and Two Eagle, which will cement their standing in the tournament. To prepare, they are working hard to prepare and fine tune their strategies.

Hot Springs Head Coach Ricky DePoe said it was an interesting game and a good effort by both teams; the Savage Heat never gave up and gave their all. There were some difficulties when two starters fouled out and had to take the bench, but DePoe noted the bench players stepped up and handled things well.

Trevor led Hot Springs for scores with an amazing 34 points; DePoe noted how busy he was throughout the game, never taking a break in any of the quarters. Sam was also a big contributor, adding 14 points for Hot Springs. It was noted many of their points came from free throws.

“That’s big, hitting 11 for 13 free throws,” he said of the team’s performance. “For a team, hitting 24 out of 27, that’s unheard of in high school I think, that’s kind of an NBA thing. The free throws kept us in the game.”