The Kearney Bulldogs boys and girls basketball team both grabbed a win in a double header matchup against the Excelsior Springs Tigers on Friday, January 24. Both teams started strong and kept the Tigers on their heels throughout the game.

The lady Bulldogs came out swinging in the first quarter with a 10-0 run on the Tigers from Brooke Paalhar and Addie Taylor. Kennedi Casey and Mallyrie Schwab-Wetzel also contributed to the first quarter, putting Kearney up 16-5 to start the second quarter.

In the second quarter, Kayla Resler put her name in the scorebook, along with Ryleigh Van Emmerik and Addi Smith. The girls’ squad spread out the scoring stats in the second half with Kennedi Casey, Maggie Lakin, Jocelyn Lincoln, and Josie Masters.

The Bulldog girls team won over the Tigers, 54-20. They are 5-9 on the season.

*Carter Brock leaps to advance the Bulldogs’ lead 11-4 early in the first half.*

Kearney boys came out fighting in a similar way, outscoring the Tigers 21-4 in the first quarter. There was a lot of excitement from Andrew Way getting three big dunks from pass assists from his guards, as well as a Brad Doll 3-point bomb from half court at the first half buzzer.

Not only was the offense hot throughout the game but the defense was a huge factor with great blocks and easy transitions which led to offensive points.

The Bulldogs did a great job sharing the scoring responsibilities around the team. Trey Smith led the scoring with 16 points. Drew Wilson followed closely with 15 and Brad Doll had 10 points. Andrew Way scored 9 points, Sal DiBenedetto made 7, Brock Scott scored 6, Carter Brock made 5, Ty Smith had 4 and Trent Fritz had 2.

The Bulldog boys team dominated over the Tigers, 74-31. They are 10-4 on the season.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.