The Bulldogs started slow but used their team speed and athleticism in a 26-25 win.

The junior varsity Pike County basketball team already had to wait longer than most teams to start the season, and they had to wait just a little bit longer on Tuesday night. The Bulldogs opponent Bullock County was 20 minutes late to the contest forcing the team to play four, four-minute quarters down form the usual six.

Pike County seemed to struggle at times especially early in the game while trying to adjust to the fast-paced game. Both teams were able to settle down and Pike County walked away with their first win of the season.

“Even with the late start, we were able to get in the gym early and shoot the ball around a little bit,” said Bulldogs coach Thad Frazier. “We have been ready for this moment for the last two weeks. I think we played pretty good for the late start.”

Bullock County was able to get off to a fast start in the game, jumping out to an 8-4 lead early before ending the opening quarter with a 10-5 lead over the Bulldogs.

Early on, it looked like the Bulldogs were struggling with the fast paced back-and-forth play, but as time went along they adjusted well and attacked especially in the second half.

“We make them run 10 minutes per day,” Frazier said. “With two minutes less in the quarter we knew we were going to have to go.”

After both teams struggled to score in the second quarter, the Hornets entered the locker room at halftime with a 10-7 lead.

In the second half the Bulldogs finally found their legs. Pike County outscored the Hornets 8-3 to give them their first lead of the game at 16-13 heading into the fourth quarter.

The entire second half the Bulldogs were led by Kevon Harris. Harris led Pike County with 12 points.

“He is one of our team leaders out there,” Frazier said. “That’s what I expect out of him everyday.”

Harris nailed a big three late in the fourth quarter to give the Bulldogs their biggest lead of the game at 26-19.

The win for the Bulldogs gives them a 1-0 record on the season. They will be back in action on Friday when they participate in the Goshen Christmas tournament.