Bison rebound with fast-starting win over Sidney

McCook’s Josh Hegwood moved through the Sidney Red Raiders to a team-high 22 points in the 79-43 Bison home win on Saturday.

Steve Towery/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook High’s boys unleashed a super 30-point response on Saturday to their tough defeat at Gothenburg Friday evening.

The Bison built a 30-9 lead over visiting Sidney as sophomore Josh Hegwood drilled four three-pointers in those first eight minutes.

Though that attack “dipped” to just 22 points during the second half, a 52-22 halftime lead was more than enough during McCook’s 79-43 home victory.

The Bison (6-6 record) reached their highest point total so far this season. They surpassed a 76-45 Topside Tournament win over Burlington (Colo.) on Dec. 14 and 75-41 over Valentine in their Dec. 7 season opener.

“I was pleased with how the guys responded after a tough loss on Friday,” coach Joe Imus commented.

Hegwood totaled five triples for the contest while senior Jordan Chauncy usually focuses on limiting those extra-base references as a McCook Legion baseball pitcher.

However, Chauncy hit two more threes to highlight his 18-point effort following 19 at Gothenburg Friday evening.

Perhaps most importantly was how McCook unleashed all those shots following some late miscues that cost a Friday night victory.

“We’ve been committing too many turnovers,” Imus observed. “We’ve been averaging about 20 which is far too many. But we only had eight turnovers tonight (Saturday) which is really good.”

Sophomore Cole Cappel added 13 points for his second double-figure scoring effort of the weekend.

Sidney left with still just one win 12 games this season.

The Bison next host GNAC champion Hastings Friday evening at McCook High.