Tigers pull out, 57-50, win over Redwater Dragons at home

Last night the Linden-Kildare Tigers took to the hardwood once again in an effort to protect home court and came away with a tough, 57-50, win over the Redwater Dragons. The Tigers recognized all educators in attendance as it was Educator Appreciation Night.

The Tigers also were playing with heavy hearts after losing two schoolmates in a tragic car accident over the weekend. Sophomore Shantey Hawkins and freshman Adryanna Hawkins were members of the L-K Lady Tigers’ basketball team. The Tigers were playing to uplift the Hawkins Family, school body and the entire L-K community.

L-K would get off to a slow start by falling behind, 6-0, in the first quarter. The Tigers would wake-up midway through the first quarter finding their touch and tighten the score down to trail by one, 15-16, at quarter’s end.

The second quarter, the Tigers would get out to a quick start and take the lead by as much as seven before going in at the half up four by the score of, 32-28.It would be a nip and tuck affair for much of the remainder of the night.

The Tigers enjoyed their largest lead of the game, nine points, in the third and fourth quarters.

Midway through the fourth quarter senior point guard Tay Johnson had to sit after he picked up his fourth foul.

The Dragons would use the opportunity to close their deficit to three at, 49-46.

The Tigers would finish from that point on an, 8-0, run down the stretch.

The Dragons would score two buckets in the game’s final 30 seconds to reach 50.

The Tigers shot 50 percent from the field (20/40) but, an abysmal 12 percent (3/25) from behind the arc. The Tigers’ defense caused Redwater problems throughout the night but managed to shoot 46 percent from the field and 42 percent from distance. L-K forced 14 turnovers while giving the ball away 10 times.

Linden-Kildare played without their leading scorer in Red Tyson (13 points per game). Tay Johnson picked up the scoring load, pouring a game-high

20.

Puff Peters had been under the weather recently had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Jordan Swanson chipped in eight with 12 rebounds but the biggest contribution probably came from Nathaniel Holloway.

Undersized Holloway, scrapped coming up with loose balls, ferocious rebounds and clutch scores at clutch times.

He would finish with his career high 11 points and eight rebounds.

The Tigers were action once again at home last Friday against Ore City.

The Tigers faced Ore City earlier this month in the Hughes Springs Tournament, squeaking out a one point victory.