Bulldogs win 8.JPG — *Ashton Holloway and the Kearney Bulldogs celebrate their district championship with Kearney fans.*

First-year Varsity Head Coach Dillon Starzl might have been the most exuberant member of the Kearney Bulldog basketball squad celebrating their win over top-seeded Platte County for the district title.

“That was so much fun,” Starzl beamed. “We have worked so hard for this. Going back to the beginning of the year, we took second at the Savannah Tournament, third at Jewell and second in our own tournament. We were hungry for a championship.”

“We know Platte County is a really good team – kudos to them – they have great athletes,” Starzl added. “I mean, they have 7 seniors who have been through this program for 4 years – they came out and battled too. They wanted it just as bad as we did. I’m so proud of our effort.”

The game tempo was white-hot from tip-off. It was a physical contest between 2 teams who know each other by first names from grade school basketball, plus having met 3 times earlier this season.

Kearney looked unstoppable with a 24-17 halftime lead against a viciously capable opponent. Brennan Watkins, under familiar double and triple-team pressure, hit 25 total points with a near half-court 3-point shot to start the second half. Ashton Holloway was a beast under the basket with double-digit rebounds. On his way to a 12-point game, Tyler Carr hit an acrobatic up and under shot in the first half and lofted an arching, ultra-soft-touch 3-pointer from the corner in the third quarter.

“Our defense,” Starzl points out, “I mean, that’s what we preach every single day, I think we’re finally starting to recognize that’s what’s going to win us games. Last time we played here (at Platte County) we gave up 19 in the first quarter. Tonight we gave up 17 in the first half.”

*Brennan Watkins twists around Platte County guard, Brody Fulk (20) for the score.*

Platte County closed to a 4-point deficit in a full-court, full-contact late fourth quarter. “Free throws weren’t falling. Everyone was getting a little nervous down the stretch,” said Starzl. “Everyone was getting a little panicky. I said, ‘everyone just needs to calm down.’ I told Ashton (Holloway) – he was on the free-throw line – he was mad. It was a 4-point game. I told him to smile. Then I brought him over and hugged him. I said, ‘In a minute-three, we’re going to win a district championship.’”

Senior, Tyler Carr and Junior, Ashton Holloway were both named to the All-District Team. Senior Brennan Watkins was named, Class-5 District-16 Player of the Year. With last night’s game, Watkins passed the 1500 career points milestone.

“I’ve been with these guys 4 years. This is my first year as head coach. I’m so proud of them. They’ve worked so hard for this,” Starzl said. “Everyone stepped up big, hit some big shots. Tyler Carr was great down the stretch. He had some great finishes.”

The Bulldogs aren’t finished yet. Kearney will face District 15 Champion, Mexico. The location is still pending as of this writing.

KPGZ Sports – Mike Davis contributed to this story