Dora Falcons beat seventh-ranked Risco

The ninth-ranked Dora Falcons traveled to Van Buren Saturday, Nov. 25, to play seventh-ranked Risco in the Current River Shootout.  “Risco was coming off a 25-2 season last year and brought back their top four players,” said Dora coach Rick Luna. “We knew it would be a good test for us starting the season off.”

Dora’s team this year is  made up of four freshman and four seniors.  “We have a good mixture of youth and experience,” Luna added.  

Dora jumped out to an early 16-9 lead after the first quarter.  “I thought we did a good job pressuring the ball and turning them over,” said Luna. “Offensively, Isaac Haney was hot, scoring 12 of his game-high 27 in the first quarter. We actually pulled out to a 16- or 17-point lead but let it slip away.  We had guys in foul trouble and couldn’t pressure the ball like we wanted.”

The Falcons couldn’t make headway in the following two quarters with even scoring of 15-15 in the second and 20-20 in the third. But the Falcons bounced back in the fourth, pulling away 24-15, and brought home a 75-59 victory.

Scoring behind Haney’s 27 was Bryson Luna 18, Mason Luna 12, Auston Luna 7, Austin White 6, Brent McKemie 3, and Kaleb Harris 2.  Auston Luna also grabbed 10 boards.  

“I thought overall we played well for our first game, but we have a lot to clean up defensively,” Luna said.  “Offensively, we didn’t shoot as well as we can. I think the boys were a little nervous and should get better throughout the season.”  

The Falcons are competing in the River Country Classic Tournament this week. The Dora boys, seeded third, played the Bakersfield Lions, seeded sixth, in the first round Monday night, and won, 62-33, led by Isaac Haney with 20 points. Mason Luna added 13, followed by Bryson with 10  and Auston with 8. Austin White also had 8, followed by Brent McKemie with 3. 

Bakersfield photographer Amy Ingalsbe’s game photos can be found on the Ozark County Times Facebook page.

Dora played number two seed Willow Spring Tuesday. Results of the game were unavailable at press time.

Ozark County Times

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