By Robert Morgan | Published Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Decatur High School boys' basketball team has caught some attention in district play. The group held steady in first place through two weeks and battled state-ranked Burkburnett and Hirschi down to the wire and appeared primed for the playoffs.
Their hopes took a big hit Tuesday night in Iowa Park. The Eagles never established any offensive rhythm as the Hawks owned the clock and the final score in a 42-37 decision.
Iowa Park, which often passed the ball for as long as 45 seconds before firing a shot, outscored Decatur in each of the final three quarters to preserve its lead. Neither team led by more than four shots, but the Hawks were always in control of the game.
The loss dropped Decatur to 4-3 in District 5-3A play and 16-9 for the season, while IPHS now sits one game back at 4-4 and 13-16. Decatur has a one-game edge for the final playoff spot but still has Burkburnett and Hirschi to play in the final week of the season.
Jarrod Morris, who has been on a tear since district play started, scored the bulk of the points for Decatur once again. The senior helped push the team in the first quarter where they held on for an 8-6 lead.
The second quarter was the best of the night for all shooters. Iowa Park was led by Richard Smoak, and DHS got a spark from Cade Isham and Drew Vrba.
The groups traded baskets for all eight minutes, but the Eagles managed to move back in front to take a 22-21 halftime lead.
The third quarter was all Iowa Park. The Eagles missed all but one shot, and the Hawks stayed patient offensively to outscore DHS 8-4 and take a 39-26 lead.
Decatur was unable to make up for its offensive let down. The group was outscored 13-11 in the fourth quarter ,and the Hawks made their free throws to stun the Eagles by five.
Smoak led the Hawks with 13 points, three more than teammate Chase Lawson with 10 points.
Morris led all scores in the game with 16 points, three more than Isham with 13. Vrba finished with three points and Ross Walker had two as just four Eagles scored in the game.
