North tripped up by Turkey Run

BAINBRIDGE -- North Putnam, coming off its first win of the 2007-08 campaign, as well as a 14-day layoff between ballgames, seemed more influenced by the latter Friday evening as they were defeated handily by the Turkey Run Warriors, 64-49.

The Cougars managed only 15 first half points in the contest, and fell victim to some hot shooting by the Warriors early. Turkey Run connected on its first three shots from beyond the arc and turned a seven-point first quarter margin into nine at halftime, 24-19.

Perhaps even more damaging than the Warrior advantage was North's Griffen Dahlstrom picking up his third foul with just 29 seconds remaining before intermission.

Dahlstrom was whistled for his fourth at the 5:42 mark of the third quarter, and from then on, Turkey Run went on a 22-11 run to put the game essentially out of reach. The quarter ended with the Warriors on top, 52-31.

The Cougars put full-court pressure on the ball in the final eight minutes and were able to whittle the Turkey Run lead to 13, 55-42, with just under five minutes remaining in the contest, but were unable to narrow the margin any further.

North Putnam coach Wes Peek, despite the loss, was encouraged with his team's effort in the second half: "I thought our guys played pretty well from midway through the third quarter on. We were much more physical and aggressive in the second half."

The Cougars were led by Dahlstrom, who finished with 12 points. Zach Hedrick added 10. Turkey Run's Colin Brown led all scorers with a game-high 19.

North also dropped the JV contest, 39-31. Drew Hutcheson led the Cougars with 8 points.

The Cougars, who drop to 1-6, must rebound quickly, as they face a quality Western Boone club Saturday evening. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

At North Putnam

Next game -- North Putnam (1-6, 0-1 WCC) hosts Western Boone at 7:30 p.m. today.