Coach says team searching for answers after close loss
By Dan Truttschel
Correspondent
Even down by a point with just four seconds left on Friday night, the Big Foot boys basketball team had a great chance to pull out a home victory.
Unfortunately, a last-second shot was just off its mark.
Big Foot missed the game-winning field-goal attempt from the elbow at the buzzer in a disappointing 55-54 Rock Valley Conference setback to Parkview.
The loss dropped the Chiefs to 3-9 overall and 2-4 in the RVC.
There weren’t many positives from the game’s final moments, Big Foot coach Mike Dowden said.
“We didn’t play well, and we didn’t execute well early in the game, and that led to some issues down the stretch,” he said.
“I thought we were out-worked, out-coached and out-played before and during the game. There were a lot of disappointed players and coaches after this one.”
Big Foot led 53-52 with less than a minute left, but the Vikings scored with 12 seconds remaining to take the lead.
The Chiefs made one of two free throws to cut the deficit to one before Parkview missed two from the charity stripe to set up the game’s final shot.
“They made some shots down the stretch and made some plays when they needed,” he said. “We did not, and it was as easy as that. We had too many turnovers and missed shots to win the game.
“We really struggled to rebound and make shots. I think that was very glaring throughout the game.”
Beau Cary again led the Chiefs, as he poured in a game-high 25 points, followed by Logan Eischeid with 15. Heath Dillenbeck chipped in with four.
Big Foot returned to action Thursday night against visiting Edgerton – and Dowden said prior to the game he hopes his team can bounce back.
“After this one, I’m not sure where we are at this point of the season,” he said. “We either feel bad for ourselves and continue to struggle or decide the time to turn it around is now. We want to be done losing, but now we need to find a way to win.”
