If the Harding County Ranchers were riding high off their 77-33 takedown of the McIntosh Tigers on Thursday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The New Year welcomed Harding County with a 68-27 whooping from Faith on Saturday. The result shouldn't come as a shock considering that's the fewest points Harding County has scored all season.
Harding County's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Payton Dvorak, who scored seven points along with four steals. Dvorak is absolutely dominating the steal category: he's posted at least two every time he's taken the court this season. Nayati Bickerdyke was another key contributor, scoring seven points along with six rebounds.
Harding County struggled to get the ball back on offense and finished the game with only three offensive rebounds. That's the fewest offensive rebounds they've managed all season.
Harding County's defeat dropped their record down to 5-2. As for Faith, they pushed their record up to 7-0 with that victory, which was their 14th straight at home dating back to last season.
Harding County will take on Grant County co-op [Carson/Elgin-New Leipzig/Mott-Regent] at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Grant County co-op [Carson/Elgin-New Leipzig/Mott-Regent] knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with flashy point totals in its past three matches -- so hopefully Harding County likes a good challenge. Faith will have some time to savor their win since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Dupree at 6:00 p.m. on January 18th.
