Coyotes Compete Hard in 3C District Tournament, but Season Ends

The 2023-24 season came to an end for the Dodson Coyotes basketball team last Friday in Glasgow, at the 2024 District 3C Tournament.

The Coyotes fell in the first round to the Circle Wildcats 72-64 on Wednesday, February 14. Dodson bounced back to eliminate the Frazer Bearcubs 79-36 in the first round of consolation on Thursday, February 15. The Coyotes' season ended with a 57-45 loss to the North Country Mavericks, who qualified for the Eastern C Divisional Tournament by defeating Dodson.

In Dodson's win over Frazer, Junior Stiffarm led the Coyotes with a 22 point, 15 rebound, and 10 steal triple-double. Mason Lonebear had 15 points, six rebounds, and five steals. Frank Sonny Cole had 15 points, two rebounds, and two steals. Sebastian Best had ten points, five rebounds, and two blocks. Donovan Posey had 10 points and two steals. Lance KillEagle had five points. Jakobe Heminger had two points, six rebounds, and two assists.

"It was a pretty good team effort," Stiffarm said. "We made sure that coming into the tournament that we would have teamwork the entire time. That is key in all of our wins."

Dodson scored 27 points off of the 30 turnovers that they forced. The Coyotes stole the ball 20 times. The team also had 32 second-chance points.

The Coyotes had a deeper team than the one they were able to have against Frazer in the last week of the regular season. Dodson had a total of six athletes in their last regular season matchup. At Districts, the Coyotes had a healthy group of 10 athletes. Best was asked how that benefited Dodson in their win.

"Just getting rotated in and out," Best said. "Having teammates that you rely on and you trust. Ultimately, we are built on trusting our teammates."

In Dodson's loss to North Country, Junior Stiffarm had 21 points, five steals, and four rebounds. Best had a 10 point, 12 rebound double-double. KillEagle had nine points, and four rebounds. Posey had two points and four rebounds. LoneBear had two points, four rebounds, and three steals. Cole had one point and two rebounds.

Best was asked about their loss to Circle and what they learned.

"We learned that we just have to hustle all fourth quarter, with everything that you've got. The entire time," Best said. "Those guys from Circle are good and we knew that coming in it was going to be a dogfight. We lost to them twice, but we didn't let that hinder us."