Basketball Recap: Cole Barger's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Pueblo County over Pueblo East

Pueblo County's game on Tuesday was all tied up 17-17 at the half, but sadly for them it didn't stay that way. They fell just short of the Pueblo East Eagles by a score of 39-36. The loss continues a trend for the Hornets in their matchups with the Eagles: they've now lost four in a row.

Cole Barger

Rebounds

02/04/25 vs Pueblo East	9
01/31/25 @ Pueblo South	2
01/28/25 @ Pueblo Central	4
01/24/25 @ Pueblo Centennial	6
01/22/25 @ Pueblo West	6
+ 11 more games

Several Hornets players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Cole Barger, who almost dropped a double-double with ten points and nine boards. That's the most rebounds Barger has posted since back in December of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Lowry Kirkland, who scored 14 points along with six assists and five boards.

Even though they lost, Pueblo County was working as a unit and finished the game with 13 assists. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their assist total in three consecutive matchups.

Among those leading the charge was Enzo Pecoraro, who had nine points in addition to seven rebounds and five assists. He has been hot recently, having also posted two or more blocks the last four times he's played. Jaden Garcia was another key player, putting up eight points and three blocks.

Pueblo County's defeat dropped their record down to 6-12. As for Pueblo East, their victory bumped their record up to 11-7.

Coincidentally, the two teams will both be playing Pueblo Centennial the next time they take the court. Pueblo East will head out to face Pueblo Centennial at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, while Pueblo County will host them at 7:30 p.m. on Monday.