Adult basketball champions

Wednesday, April 10 saw the final matches for the Hot Springs County Adult Recreation District's Co-ed Basketball League.

The No. 3 seed, Merit Energy, took third place with a 48-34 win over No. 4 Two Hills of a Cizzle. According to Anja Abbott, the recreation district director, "Merit Energy jumped out to a lead in this game and never looked back. Two Hills of a Cizzle fought back in the second half but could not overcome their poor shooting at the start of the game. David Evans and Brad Peil led the way for Merit, with 14 and 13 points each (respectively). Two Hills spread their points around, with Shane Corpening - nine points - and Jason Ciz - 8 points - leading the charge."

In the championship match, Abbott stated, "We saw the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds face off for bragging rights and the fabulous winner's shirts. No. 2 Properties West scored first and built a small lead early on, but No. 1 Red Rock would not be deterred. The two traded baskets back and forth, with Properties West maintaining a small lead until late in the second half.

"With under 6 minutes remaining in the game, Red Rock would take their first lead of the game, 46-45. With this lead came a renewed effort on the defensive end - Red Rock kept Properties West scoreless until the final minute and a half when Dana Bjorhus - 10 points - hit back-to-back clutch threes to cut the lead to five points. With 30 seconds to go Bjorhus pulled up on a baller ankle breaker step-back and it looked like it was going to be a one score game before the shot hit off back iron. Red Rock was able to grab the rebound and hit another basket for insurance before time expired.

"Paul Collamer and Riley Whitt led the scoring for Red Rock with 25 and 18 points, respectively. Steth Daniels and James Van Heule were the high scorers for Properties West with 16 and 13 points. Red Rock's biggest key to victory in this game was holding big Dan Hemann to only 10 points, his lowest scoring output of the season.

"It was a fantastic game that came all the way down to the wire, but Red Rock wins over Properties West, 57-51."

Season awards include: MVP - Paul Collamer; Women's MVP - Dana Bjorhus; Offensive Player of the Year - Dan Hemann; Defensive Player of the Year - Bob Hill; Rebounder of the Year - Dana Bjorhus; Points Leader - Dan Hemann; Fouls Leader - Jason Ciz; and Three Point Leader - David Evans

Though the adult basketball league is over for another year, softball season is just heating up. Roster sheets were handed out this past week, and an estimated six to eight teams are expected. The season begins on Thursday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the softball fields by the fairgrounds, with games Tuesdays and Thursday evenings following.