Bears Survive Tough Week Unscathed
By Nick Hall
The Plainview Bears stayed undefeated in area play Friday, January 3, against the upset-minded Pisgah Eagles, with a narrow overtime decision. Head Coach Robi Coker’s team followed that performance 24 hours later with some fourth-quarter heroics at Higdon to defeat the North Sand Mountain Bison. Here’s how it all went down.
Plainview 80, Pisgah 79
The game was tight in the opening period, with both teams finishing the first frame tied at 15-all. The Eagles and Bears continued to answer each other’s runs throughout the next three periods. Plainview led 46-33 at halftime, but Pisgah cut Plainview’s lead to 58-53 by the end of the third period and tied the game at 69-all at the end of regulation. The Bears outscored the Eagles 11-10 in overtime to escape with the win. “We were very fortunate to win and probably deserved to lose the way we played,” said Coker. “Pisgah outworked us in all phases. We did make enough plays offensively to win the game, but our defensive effort was atrocious.” Cole Millican led the Bears with 38 points, eight rebounds, two steals and five assists. Jonah Williams followed with 17 points, five rebounds and one steal. Tristan Willingham netted 10 points and pulled down six rebounds followed by Grant Sanders with nine points, one rebound, one steal and one assist.
Plainview 88, NSM 82
The Bison took a 26-21 lead at the end of one period and maintained a five-point advantage at the half to lead 43-38. The Bison doubled their lead in the third frame to enter the final period up 71-61 over Plainview. That’s when the Bears exploded for 37 fourth-quarter points to get the come from behind win. “To be able to make that run in that environment, on a night that a lot hadn’t gone our way, was special,” said Coker. “Our guys deserve all the credit. They didn’t panic or try to force anything. They just stayed the course and made the plays that needed to be made down the stretch. I’m really proud of their resiliency and the way they responded.” Millican went 8-of-9 from the stripe and sank three long balls on his way to a 37-point night against the Bison, as well as grabbing ten rebounds to post a double-double. Willingham followed with 22 points, three rebounds, two steals and two assists. Williams netted 10 points, while Sanders added nine. Jacob Henderson contributed six points and ten rebounds.
Bears Survive Tough Week