The Dixie Heights Colonels achieved a strong finish against the Conner Cougars on Tuesday night, winning 65-54 in Edgewood. This victory not only marked their fifth consecutive win but also celebrated Coach Scott Code“s 100th career victory.
Key to the Colonels” success was the early involvement of Hunter Seng, who led the team with 15 points, including 12 in the first half. Dixie Heights improved its season record to 5-1, while Conner fell to 2-3, continuing to struggle without their leading scorer, Finn Louden, who is sidelined by injury.
The game started with Seng establishing a strong post presence, helping Dixie Heights take a 17-11 lead by the end of the first quarter. Seng commented, “From the start, we all knew the most disciplined team wins, so we thought if we play through the post it would help with kick out threes. It”s how we play and that”s how we got this dub today.”
Conner fought back in the second quarter, scoring 22 points and taking a 33-30 lead into halftime. Tyler Warner, who finished with a team-high 18 points, contributed significantly to Conner”s surge.
As the game progressed, the two teams exchanged leads until Dixie Heights gained control in the final minutes. After a timeout called by Coach Code to address a few sloppy plays, the Colonels tightened their defense and limited Conner to just nine points in the closing quarter.
Down by three points, Metzger hit back-to-back three-pointers, followed by a transition layup from Parks Vonderhaar that shifted the momentum in favor of Dixie Heights. They maintained their lead by converting 7 of 8 free throws in the final moments, sealing the win.
Following the game, Coach Code reflected on his milestone, stating, “I thought for a minute, “That”s it?” But I”ve been an assistant coach for a long time. It”s a great feeling. I”ve had some wonderful assistants and some wonderful players that have helped me get to this point, and all the credit goes to them. I didn”t put a single ball in the basket.”
In addition to Seng”s impressive performance, the Colonels saw Max Rubemeyer contribute 14 points, Tyson Metzger add 12, and Vonderhaar chip in with 11 points. Rubemeyer noted his strategy in the second half, saying, “Early on, I was mainly looking to pass it because I”m so confident in my big man here Hunter Seng. When I got the chance to be aggressive I know my teammates will look for me like I look for them.”
Dixie Heights aims to extend their winning streak to six when they face Augusta at the Colby Hause Classic on Friday. Meanwhile, Conner will look to recover when they take on Beechwood on Thursday, hoping for Louden”s return to the lineup.
Final Score: Conner 54, Dixie Heights 65
Scoring Summary:
Conner (54): Warner 18, Back 15, Bushman 9, Nipper 4, Bloom 3, Rondon 3, Musehenu 2
Dixie Heights (65): Seng 15, Rubemeyer 14, Metzger 12, Vonderhaar 11, Morris 7, Collins 6
Game Stats:
3-Pointers Made: Conner 6, Dixie 5
Free Throws: Conner 10/12, Dixie 20/28
Fouls: Conner 23, Dixie 14
Records: Conner 2-3, Dixie Heights 5-1
