by Dalton Ellison
March 8, 2011
On February 25th the Neoga Indians took to their home court against the Dieterich Movin’ Maroons for the Regional Championship. In the first quarter, the Indians outscored the Maroons 14 to 10. Travis Cornell and Dalton McFarland (both seniors) did a great job keeping the pace and moving the ball up court. By the beginning of the second half, the score was 33 to 24 Neoga’s lead. Senior, Tyler Pikowski done an excellent job at the three-point line keeping the Indians ahead of their opponent. Nearing the fourth quarter, the Indians defense had been prominent throughout the game. Guard, Jacob Cole (Senior) did a great job slowing down the Maroons. At the end of the fourth quarter, the Indians pulled out a victory with a final score of 53 to 60. After a victory at home the Indians had to make the trip to Altamont for the Sectional game against Red Hill. Neoga had beaten Red Hill earlier on in the season with a score of 41 to 31. This time around the Indians held it together through most of the game, but couldn’t finish in the fourth quarter. The final score of the game was Red Hill 49, Neoga 37.
As an overview of the season coach Jason Hanson was quoted as saying, “The season, overall, went really well. The players that we had to work with were a great bunch of guys to coach. Winning the Monticello Tournament was a goal we had at set at the beginning of the year, and which we were able to accomplish. Being able to win the Regional game on our home floor was something I will remember as I’m sure our players will as well. Our four seniors (Tyler Pikowski, Travis Cornell, Dalton McFarland, and Jacob Cole) that we are losing have set an incredible example by their commitment and work ethic. We are looking forward to next year already with the guys we have returning.” The Indians closed out the season with an overall record of 17-13. Congratulations Neoga Indians on a great season, and best of luck to the four seniors!
