Bison credits crowd for '10 points' vs. mighty Ogallala

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — Come on, there’s no way McCook High boys were losing Friday night with all the fans cheering them on against once-mighty Ogallala.

“The crowd was crazy. They were worth at least 10 points,” senior Brendan Gillen proclaimed.

The Bison only needed five more to beat those rival Indians, 73-68, and show again they could be making noise into March...

McCook senior Cole Cappel (right) said defense was a huge factor in defeating the Ogallala Indians Friday evening. Bison junior Evan Humphrey (left) and senior Brendan Gillen (left, back) also have Indians in their sights at McCook High.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

But only if it sounded that easy.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Ogallala was building leads of six, seven, even eight points.

It appeared the Indians (16-4) were going to beat down the Bison hopes just like their last three Southwest Conference tourney meetings.

“But all five guys out at there at the end left everything on the floor,” junior Adam Dugger proclaimed which inspired at least 10 times that many people to join them in a home-floor celebration. “We got in a huddle, did a pep talk that carried us through to the end.”

Dugger delivered the most magical moment with his three-point shot giving McCook its 69-68 last-minute lead.

Yet the quarterback/point guard knew McCook (15-5) never rallies without every Bison delivering clutch moments.

Take senior Josh Hegwood as a perfect example.

Hegwood scored all eight of his points during that huge fourth period.

However, it was his signature hustle most everyone will remember. Hegwood ran back into defensive position where he drew a huge charging foul from the Indians.

A little pain in the neck felt worth it moments after the game.

“Yeah, it’s messed up a little bit,” Hegwood said. “The other guys pick it up offensively, so I just do what I do to help us win.”

Gillen nearly matched the crowd’s “10 points” with nine before one quarter was finished. That roaring start had McCook ready to battle Ogallala all game.

Nothing was louder than the clutch, quiet confidence of McCook hitting all 22 free throws.

Junior Evan Humphrey went 12-for-12, but other Bison like senior Cole Cappel, Hegwood and junior Jacob Gomez-Wilson also came through.

“We’ve really worked on it the last two or three weeks,” Cappel said. “A lot of guys stay after practice, and it paid off. It’s really exciting.”

BISON (15-5) — Adam Dugger 25 points, Evan Humphrey 17, Brendan Gillen 11, Josh Hegwood 8, Cole Cappel 6, Jacob Gomez-Wilson 4, Cam Werkmeister 2. Three-pointers: Gillen 3, Dugger 3, Humphrey. Rebound leaders: Hegwood 5, Humphrey 5, Dugger 5. Assists: Dugger 3, Gomez-Wilson 3. Blocked shots: Cappel 2, Dugger 1.