The Hitchcock-Tulare Patriots took on 281 Conference opponent the Iroquois/Lake Preston Sharks in Iroquois on Tuesday Jan 2nd. The Patriots did not start the game off shooting well, only scoring 8 points, giving the Sharks the early advantage 12-8 after the 1st quarter. The 2nd quarter wasn't much better for the Patriots as they went into halftime trailing 20-17. The 3rd quarter was much better for both teams scoring the basketball, but the Sharks held onto their lead 38-34. A rally by the Patriots during the 4th quarter got them back to even with the Sharks and even took the lead for a couple minutes. A missed layup by the Patriots with 3 seconds left and a foul by the Patriots gave the Sharks a chance to break the tie with 0.3 seconds remaining. The Sharks were unable to connect on either free throw, sending the game to overtime 54-54. The Patriots were able to outscore the Sharks in overtime to take the game, 62-56.
The Patriots were led by Jackson Maynard with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. Erik Salmen added 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists, and 1 block. Next up, Patrick Maynard finished with a double double, 15 points, 12 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 assist, and 2 blocks. Brendan Nowell had 6 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal.
The Patriots will continue this road streak in Faulkton on Friday, January 5th.