By Moses Leos III
A 21-point fourth quarter rally provided the Hays Rebels with a gritty 59-53 win over the Bowie Bulldogs Tuesday at Bales Gym.
With the win, Hays (18-6, 11-2) maintains its hold on first place in 14-6A with three games left. Tuesday’s win allowed Hays to clinch its second straight playoff berth.
Three Rebels scored in double figures, led by 17 points from sophomore Charles Bohannon and 15-points from Chris Gonzales. Hays junior Jake Krafka tallied 12-points in the game. Bowie Bulldog H. Vrbanus led all scorers with 24 points on the night.
A three-point barrage allowed Hays to take a 22-10 lead after the first quarter. Eighteen of Hays’ 22 first quarter points came from behind the arc. Gonzales provided the spark, knocking down three of his five total three pointers in the frame.
But Bowie responded with a three-point showcase in the second quarter as Hays’ offense disappeared.
The Bulldogs hit four three-pointers, en route to outscoring Hays 21-3 in the second period. Vrbanus hit three of those treys, accounting for 11 of the Bulldog’s 21-points.
The Bulldogs led 31-25 at halftime; Bowie maintained a 42-38 lead into the fourth period.
But the Rebel offense found its mojo in the clutch. Guided by six points from Bohannon, Hays outscored Bowie 21-11 to close the contest.
Coming up
Hays plays at Akins on Friday before a bye on Tuesday. The Rebels will go to play at Lake Travis on Feb. 13.
