Tigers down Redmen for opening night victory

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BUCYRUS — What a way to start the 2016-2017 boys high school basketball season.

The Galion Tigers traveled to Bucyrus to meet up with the hometown Redmen on Friday for the opening game of the season. It was a hard fought battle by both teams that actually included some blood. When all was said and done, the victory went to Galion by a final score of 47-38. New head coach Matt Valentine, much like the football coach Matt Dick, picks up his first head coaching win against the Bucyrus Redmen.

Galion actually trailed after the first quarter of play, 10-9. The Tigers seemed to regather after the brief intermission and came back out to outscore the Redmen in the second, 17-5 and take an advantage of 26-15 into the locker room at halftime. Bucyrus came out in the second half strong and outscored Galion 14-8 to cut the Tigers’ lead to just five heading into the final quarter of action. Galion would hang on and take the victory after a 13-9 fourth quarter score.

Freshmen Isaiah Alsip lead all scorers on the night with 21 points on 6/12 shooting, including 4/7 from beyond the arc and was 5/6 from the free-throw stripe. Alsip also grabbed three rebounds, dished out three assists and a steal for the Tigers. Gage Lackey added seven points, four rebounds, two blocks and a steal for Galion. Big man Colten Skaggs scored six points to go with seven boards, three assists and four blocks. Skaggs also acquired two stitches to his lip after the game.

For the game, the Tigers shot just 15/51 (29.4%) from the field, including 6/19 (31.6%) from three-point land. Galion was 11/21 or 52.4% from the free-throw line as a team.

“(Our) captains Skaggs, Bobby Gilbert, and Tristan Baldy showed poise and leadership on the court. As a team, our effort was there both offensively and defensively,” said coach Valentine of his team’s performance. “(We) only shot 53% at the free throw line, which we need to improve on,” he continued.

Next up for the young Tigers squad will be their game on Thursday Dec.8 against the visiting Upper Sandusky Rams.

Galion’s junior varsity dropped a close game to Bucyrus, falling 51-46.

The Tigers’ Isaiah Alsip blows by Redmen defender Gavin Lewis during Friday night’s game in Bucyrus. Galion defeated Bucyrus by a final score of 47-38. (Photo by Don Tudor)
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2016/12/web1_Isaiah-Alsip-1.jpgThe Tigers’ Isaiah Alsip blows by Redmen defender Gavin Lewis during Friday night’s game in Bucyrus. Galion defeated Bucyrus by a final score of 47-38. (Photo by Don Tudor)

Galion’s Colten Skaggs sizes up Bucyrus’ Gavin Lewis during Friday night’s matchup. The Tigers start the season 1-0 after defeating the Redmen, 47-38. (Photo by Don Tudor)
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2016/12/web1_Colten-Skaggs-1.jpgGalion’s Colten Skaggs sizes up Bucyrus’ Gavin Lewis during Friday night’s matchup. The Tigers start the season 1-0 after defeating the Redmen, 47-38. (Photo by Don Tudor)

By Chad Clinger

[email protected]

Find Chad on Twitter @GalionSportsGuy

Reach Chad at 419-468-1117 x2048

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