Bulldogs defeat East Prairie at season opener

In hopes of having a successful season, the Portageville Bulldogs began their season Friday with a 66-55 win over the East Prairie Eagles in the Portageville High School.

"It is always to get a good win on your first game," said head coach Jason Irby. "This helps to built up the boys confidence."

"This is a game that we felt we really needed to get. We have really changed up some things defensively, and went into a new offense. This game was a good test of what we have been working is going to work," said Irby.

"East Prairie is a good team, took New Madrid to over time a few nights ago. They have some good guards and I believe we did a good job guarding and rebounded well. Offensively we made the right play most of the time, but still have some clean up area to work on," Irby said.

"Chris Garmon was a big asset for us tonight. He was huge on the boards and best around the basket, knocked down most of this free throws, but he is a 6'4" post/forward and was an All-Conference last year. This is what we hope to see more of. He can be a force in there, if he puts his mind to it."

Another Bulldog standout last friday was Ian Torrey. "Torrey is another good player on the court. He too did a good job on the boards. He has good height and sees the floor well. We are going to be looking at both of them to lead us on the court and make some good plays for us."

"I do want to say that Hunter Gates and Tony Smith did a good job guarding Derez Tripler, it made a big difference. Tripler scored 20 plus points against New Madrid, and he is a good player.

The first quarter battle was fierce as the scores went back and forth, and ended with a 0ne point lead for the Bulldogs. Portageville gained possession of the ball in the second with Portageville on top with a 32-24 lead.

In the second half, East Prairie gained momentum when three of their players scored three 3-pointers putting, but still behind the Bulldogs by two points.

In the final frame, East Prairie got into foul trouble sending the Bulldogs to the charity stripe. East Prairie finished with 12 points to Portageville's 21 points for a final score 66-55.

Portageville forward Ian Torrey (10) works his way to the bucket for two of his 18 points last Friday. Portageville hosted East Prairie and won, 66-55.

Portageville forward Ian Torrey (10) works his way to the bucket for two of his 18 points last Friday. Portageville hosted East Prairie and won, 66-55.

Chris Garmon topped the night with 20 points and Ian Torrey scored 18 points. Hunter Gates led in single digits with nine points.

East Prairie players Luke Marcum, Deverence Jones and Derez Tipler each scored 10 points.

Portageville played Clarkton on Tuesday and will travel to Hayti on Friday. Coincidentally, both of those teams are coached by formal Portageville graduates that know a lot about the Bulldog basketball program. Arron Bidewell is now at Hayti and Jordan Bidewell is at Clarkton. Both are sons of PHS Athletic Director Jim Bidewell.

PHS = 12 20 13 21 -- 66

EPHS -- 11 13 19 12 -- 55

Portageville (66) Gates 9, Darst 2, Torrey 18, Smith 3, Garmon 20, Carter 6, Lance 8. FG 24, FT 9/18, Three 3-pts.

East Prairie (55) Marcum 10, Jones 10, Hubbert 3, Tipler 10, Gregory 9, Shoffner 3, Houseman 2. FG 13, FG 11/17, Six 3 pts.