Lions face tough district competition in playoff push

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions continued a rough stretch in the District 10-2A boys basketball schedule Tuesday, Jan. 14 with a 65-48 loss at Hawley.

The Lions (8-6 overall, 3-3 in district) have lost three in a row to fall to fourth in the district standings.

Albany began the second round of the district schedule Tuesday, Jan. 21 with a 45-34 home win against Stamford. Details will be reported next week.

At halftime of the Stamford game, Nancy Smith Elementary students showcased their skills under the direction of NSES PE teacher Ashlyn Bevel and Makinzie Tomascik. Similar demonstrations are planned for home games on Tuesday, Jan. 28 and Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Albany visits Haskell at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24 in a game that will directly impact the playoff race. The Indians, who played Hawley on Tuesday, began the week just a game back of the Lions for a playoff berth.

At Hawley, Albany fell victim to a hot shooting night by the Bearcats.

“Hawley was impressive,” coach Ryder Peacock said. “They were 6 of 9 from the 3-point line and like 13 or 14 of 20 overall at one point. When you’re on the road and somebody shoots that well, you’re in a rough spot.”

Albany trailed 19-13 after one quarter, but closed to within 31-28 at halftime.

“We got off to a slow start and got back in it,” Peacock said. “We came out from halftime and tied it and stayed within one point for a little while.”

Then Hawley heated up, outscoring Albany 17-7 in the third quarter.

The Lions had three players score in double figures, led by Clay Chapman with 13 points. Chip Chambers added 11 points and Huffman Heatly 10. Jaxson Street had nine points.

Entering Tuesday’s games, the district standings saw each spot separated from the next by one game. Cisco, Hawley and Anson hold the top three spots ahead of Albany and Haskell.

“We’ve got a pretty big week this week,” Peacock said. “We can’t afford to lose too many more. We’re going to have to close strong.”

Peacock predicted it will take at least six district wins to qualify with more only helping to improve a team’s seeding. Aiding Albany’s cause is having four home dates remaining.

ALBANY 48 – HAWLEY 65

Hawley 19 12 17 17 - 65

Albany 13 15 7 13 - 48

ALBANY - Clay Chapman 13, Chip Chambers 11, Huffman Heatly 10, Jaxson Street 9, Bam Becker 3, Branson Beal 2.