Bobcats win big over Kountze

The Orangefield Bobcats rebounded from two consecutive losses with a resounding victory over the Kountze Lions. The Bobcats beat the Lions 82-56 at Kountze on Friday, February 10.

The win improved Orangefield's record to 10-3 in District 22-3A. The Bobcats needed a win at home on Tuesday, February 14, which was Senior Night against the Kirbyville Wildcats to secure the second seed going into the playoffs.

The Bobcats took a 14-10 lead after the first quarter against Kountze. Orangefield then pulled away from the Lions by outscoring them by 12 and 13 points in the second and third quarters respectfully.

The star of the game was the Bobcats' Pete Ragusa with 40 points which included seven three point baskets. Ragusa grabbed 6 rebounds, made 4 assists, and had 3 steals in the game.

Also in double figures for Orangefield were Jaden Scales who tossed in 14 points and Brayden Parker with 12 points. Cameron Dischler was the top rebounder with 8, and he added 6 points to the Bobcat cause.

Orangefield lost its second straight game on Tuesday, February 7, to drop into a tie for second place in the district with the Anahuac Panthers. The Bobcats dropped their game 50-46 at Anahuac.

The Panthers grabbed the lead in the first quarter 14-10 and added to the advantage in the second quarter to lead 24-20 at the half. Orangefield crept back to within two points after the third but were outscored 14-12 in the final period to lose by four points.

The big difference appeared to be rebounding as the Anahuac Panthers grabbed 33 boards and the Bobcats had less than half that many with 15 rebounds. A bad night at the free throw line did not help Orangefield as the Bobcats shot only 44 percent sinking 4 of 9 from the line.

Two Bobcats provided almost all of their scoring as Pete Ragusa had 20 points and Jaden Scales added 18. Four other Bobcats each scored two points.