The Bulldogs fell to Williamston by a score of 59-36.
IONIA – The Ionia boys basketball team played host to top-10 Class B Williamston (14-1) in a game played, Friday, Feb. 2. The CAAC-White match up found the Hornets defeating the Bulldogs by a 59-36 score. The loss moves Ionia's overall record to 7-7 and to 3-4 in league play.
When the game started it looked like Ionia would be able to keep up with the potent Williamston offense. The Bulldogs answered Williamston's pace of play and captured the first quarter by a 13-11 score. Williamston had an answer in the second quarter, however, and went on an impressive run that found them scoring 22 points, while stifling the Bulldogs and only allowing six points. The first half closed with Williamston holding a 33-19 lead.
Williamston continued to keep Ionia off the scoreboard in the second half, while continuing to add to their lead. The Bulldogs were able to tally nine points in the third, but Williamston topped them with 15 to give themselves a comfortable 48-28 lead. The Hornets continued their onslaught in the fourth, outscoring the Bulldogs 15-8 to claim the 59-36 victory and show why they are so highly ranked.
“Willliamston is a solid team,” said Ionia coach Scott Swinehart. “They put a lot of pressure on at both ends. We had some good stretches tonight. With no game Tuesday we have an opportunity to clean some weaknesses up.”
Nick Szymanski led the Bulldogs with 15 points and six rebounds. He was followed by Brady Swinehart, who added nine points and two assists. Alec White tallied five points, Gage Taylor had four points, Jared Christensen chipped in two points and Darius Taylor added a point to round out Ionia's scoring.
The Bulldogs will travel to Fowlerville, Friday, Feb. 9, to take on the Gladiators, who are currently 10-4. The CAAC-White match up is scheduled to begin at approximately 7:30 p.m.