<strong>By Brackin Lambert</strong>
<strong>BCHS Athletics
<em>Photo by Bob Sofaly</em>
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Rashard Baker’s last-second 3-point attempt rattled off the back iron and Oceanside Collegiate grabbed the loose ball to finish off a hard-fought 55-51 win at Battery Creek on Friday, handing the Dolphins their first loss of the season.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

“We take any loss tough,” Creek coach CJ Brown said. “For us as a program, we were on a great run but I think great teams need that learning experience.”<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Three Dolphins posted double-digit efforts in the loss, as Jaeon Allen put up a team-high 20 points, followed by David Smith with 12 and Jordon Rivers with 10. Baker had a phenomenal night at the point, kicking out seven assists along with five points.

The Dolphins started off hot from the field, as both Allen and Smith were in double figures before the end of the first quarter.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Battery Creek kept the pressure up throughout the game pushing their lead to double digits late into the third period. But the loss of senior forward Justin Smalls significantly hindered Creek’s ability to get to the offensive glass and produce second-chance buckets. Oceanside outrebounded the Dolphins 40-22.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

“It’s a great thing going into our next game and the next time we see them. This is the only thing we need to watch to finish region play,” said Brown. “I think losing by four isn’t a bad thing, it just shows that we belong on the court with those types of teams.”

Short-handed Dolphin girls<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>fade late

The Battery Creek girls basketball team held their own against a deep Oceanside Collegiate team for three quarters, but only having six players caught up to the Dolphins in a 55-39 loss to the Landsharks at the Palace on Friday.

“We have to keep our heads up,” Creek coach Lonnie Kluttz said. “We have to keep pushing on defense and with only six players, they were able to run the pressure all game long and get us tired.”

Myra Smith and Kiara Wilson both found their grove offensively, posting 12 points apiece. Ashante and Iesha Shaw were strong on the boards, as the sisters collected 12 rebounds each.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Creek took an early lead following the tip, but Oceanside countered with consecutive buckets to retake the lead. BCHS pushed the aggression through the half as the Landsharks saw themselves in foul trouble early.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

The Dolphins held a lead as large as six in the middle of the second, however the numbers game hurt Creek closing out the quarter.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Battery Creek’s offense had been struggling from the field in the previous few games, however Friday’s game saw a much better shooting performance.

“We’re going to continue to work on our shooting,” Kluttz said. “We’ve been working on our free throws and shooting during practice and we’re going to continue to do that.”<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;

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<em>Battery Creek boys basketball was dealt its first loss of the season after thier 51-55 battle with Oceanside Collegiate Academy Landsharks on Friday at BCHS. Here, Creek’s David Smith wrestles the ball away from Oceanside’s Malachi Stevens and tosses it to a team mate during the second quarter. Photo by Bob Sofaly</em>

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