Bernie, Missouri - The Mule Barn was full of love and compassion on Friday evening as they honored one of their own, Shawn Green.
“This was an emotional night for everyone,” commented Bernie boys basketball coach Brad Botsch. “Our players really felt the emotion from the ceremony for Shawn and it carried over to the floor for us. Shawn was an incredible player and is even a better person and I am glad our kids could find a way to win for him tonight.”
Win they did and in a big way. The Mules defeated the Puxico Indians 75-57.
Alex Whitehead earned an impressive team-high 27 points for the Mules including 2 treys.
Gavin Brown recorded 18 points on 6 baskets and 6 from the charity stripe.
Nate Dillinger contributed 12 points. Jayce Burk tallied three 3-pointers.
“Alex Whitehead and Gavin Brown really stepped up for us tonight,” stated Botsch. “Gavin had 14 rebounds and 16 points. Alex had 11 rebounds and 26 points. We really needed the boost from those guys and it was great to see them step up for us. Everyone contributed tonight and our effort was better than it has been.”
Puxico’s Levi Woods hit the basket 14 times including two 3-pointers and made three of six free throws for a game-high 33 points.
Final Score Bernie 75, Puxico 57
Bernie 19 19 17 20 - 75
Puxico 16 14 18 9 – 57
Bernie (75) - Jayce Burk 9, Alex Guzman 2, Alan Pippins 2, Nate Dillinger 12, Alex Whitehead 27, Gavin Brown 18, Dalton Hobgood 5. FG 28, FG 12/22, F 16. (3-pointers: Jayce Burk 3, Alex Whitehead 2, Dalton Hobgood 1. Fouled Out: Jayce Burk).
Puxico (57) - Levi Woods 33, Nathan Dare 2, Chris Siler 8, Dalton King 10, Jordan Burch 2, Chris Dunivan 2. FG 23, FT 9/16, F 18. (3-pointers: Levi Woods 2. Fouled Out: Chris Siler).
“Hopefully we can build off this win and continue to improve,” continued Botsch. “It was a great night to be a part of and the win made it even better.”
Bernie (4-12) will be back in action in the SCAA Tournament on Monday, January 25th when they take on rivalry the Dexter Bearcats at 8:30 p.m. in the Bearcat Event Center.
Photo credit to Dee Loflin, ShowMe Times Manager/Editor. Bernie Mules #40 Alex Whitehead head to the basket for two.
