Dodge City Red Demons Triumph Over Woodward Boomers in Non-Conference Showdown
First Quarter Highlights
The Dodge City Fieldhouse welcomed the Red Demons to the court for the first time this season. With the home opener against McPherson being played at the Dodge City Civic Center the Red Demons hosted the Woodward Boomers on Tuesday night for the first time on the new court at DCHS. The Red Demons started strong with Tochi Okoro winning the jump ball, setting the tone for a game that would end with Dodge City on top and Okoro’s vertical jump playing a major factor.
The first quarter saw the Demons start quick, but Woodward seemed to answer almost every run as the game remained tight throughout all four quarters. Jaiden Springer and Grayden Gamblin showcased their skills, contributing significantly to the Red Demons’ hot start. The period concluded with the Red Demons ahead at 14-10.
Statistical Summary for the First Quarter:
- Largest Lead: Red Demons 4 Boomers 0 (4 pts)
- Lead Changes: 0 | Ties: 1
- Field Goals: Red Demons 5/13 (38.5%) | Boomers 5/12 (41.7%)
- Free Throws: Red Demons 2/2 (100%) | Boomers 0/1 (0.00%)
Second Quarter Surge
The Red Demons continued their momentum into the second quarter, with Spring and Gamblin staying hot from the perimeter. The period showcased a strong defensive effort from Tochi Okoro who would eventually end the evening with a school record seven blocked shots.
At halftime, the Red Demons extended their lead to nine points at 30-21.
Statistical Summary for the Second Quarter:
- Largest Lead: Red Demons 30 Boomers 21 (9 pts)
- Lead Changes: 0 | Ties: 0
- Field Goals: Red Demons 7/11 (63.6%) | Boomers 5/15 (33.3%)
- Free Throws: Red Demons 2/2 (100%) | Boomers 0/3 (0.00%)
Second Half Battle
The third quarter witnessed a determined Boomers’ comeback, narrowing the gap to one point twice in the second half. The Red Demons, led by Okoro and Springer, maintained their composure and managed to hold onto their lead – a 42-36 advantage heading into the final quarter.
Statistical Summary for the Third Quarter:
- Largest Lead: Red Demons 42 Boomers 34 (8 pts)
- Lead Changes: 0 | Ties: 0
- Field Goals: Red Demons 6/13 (38.5%) | Boomers 7/8 (87.5%)
- Free Throws: Red Demons 0/0 (0.00%) | Boomers 2/2 (100%)
Closing Act
The final quarter was a tense battle, with both teams putting together scoring spurts. The Boomers fought hard to narrow the lead to 52-51 with just under four minutes remaining, but the Red Demons’ led by Ty Scheck (11 points), Gamblin (12 points), and Springer (17 points), ultimately secured the victory with some stellar defense and free throw shooting. Okoro finished with an impressive stat line of (15 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 blocked shots). The game concluded with the Red Demons triumphant at 65-53, securing their first win of the young season.
Statistical Summary for the Fourth Quarter:
- Largest Lead: Red Demons 65 Boomers 53 (12 pts)
- Lead Changes: 0 | Ties: 0
- Field Goals: Red Demons 5/13 (38.5%) | Boomers 7/8 (87.5%)
- Free Throws: Red Demons 3/4 (75%) | Boomers 6/6 (100%)
Statistical Summary for the Game:
- Largest Lead: Red Demons 65 Boomers 53 (12 pts)
- Lead Changes: 0 | Ties: 1
- Field Goals: Red Demons 29/68 (42.6%) | Boomers 25/61 (41%)
- Free Throws: Red Demons 12/20 (60%) | Boomers 7/13 (54%)
Next Up
The Red Demons will travel to Wichita to take on Wichita Northwest on Saturday at 2:30p in the City League Challenge. The Demons will return to the DCHS Fieldhouse next Tuesday night for their final game of the Fall semester. Dodge City will host Ulysses in a non-conference game featuring a Christmas themed giveaway for the first (200) fans in attendance.
