Bobcat power on display in Friday night win

The Summerland Bobcats showcased their dominance on Friday night with a decisive 61-34 victory over the Humphrey-Lindsay Bulldogs in front of a home crowd at Summerland. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the Bobcats maintained control, powered by standout performances and consistent team play.

Coach Brett Kaczor said Friday was a quick turnaround against another quality and very well-coached Humphrey-Lindsay team.

Summerland opened strong, outscoring the Bulldogs 19-8 in the first quarter. The Bobcats mirrored their offensive efficiency in the second quarter, again tallying 19 points while holding Humphrey-Lindsay to nine. The Bulldogs struggled to find rhythm, as Summerland's defense applied relentless pressure.

The second half saw the Bobcats slowing slightly in scoring, adding 11 points in the third quarter and 12 in the fourth, but their defense ensured the Bulldogs remained stifled with only nine points in the third and ight in the final quarter.

Summerland's victory was a team effort, with several players contributing significantly on both ends of the court.

Michael Koenig led the offensive charge, finishing with 17 points, one rebound, four assists, and three steals, while Preston Hoke delivered a strong performance with 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Sam Cheatum filled the stat sheet, posting nine points, two rebounds, 10 assists, four steals, one block, and two turnovers. Parker Napier added 8 points, 1 rebound, 3 steals, and 1 turnover, while Alec Schindler contributed seven points, one rebound, one assist, three steals, and four turnovers.

Carter Bergman grabbed six rebounds, paired with two points, two assists, and one steal, and AJ Hobbs chipped in with two points, two rebounds, two steals, and a block.

Defensively, Ryan Rifer, Aiden McAllister, Mathias Wagner, and Beau Ahlers each added a rebound, while Mason Schwager logged a turnover.

The Bobcats displayed efficient shooting, connecting on 22 of 34 two-point attempts (64.7%). They struggled somewhat beyond the arc, hitting four of 17 three-point attempts (23.5%), and went ive of 10 from the free-throw line (50%).

Kaczor said his team didn't shoot the ball nearly as well, but the Bobcat defense held strong.

"We also got some good minutes from guys that don't see the court a ton to help us stretch our lead. We will be shooting a ton of free throws so we can take care of late-game situations. I think you will see our defensive pressure continue to improve and ramp up as the season continues," Kaczor said.