WORDEN -- The Huntley Project boys basketball team handed Lodge Grass its first loss against a Class B opponent, as the Red Devils topped the Indians 60-45 on Tuesday night in Worden.
What a difference from the first meeting between the two teams. Down in Lodge Grass on Jan. 10, the Indians beat the Red Devils 66-35. Tuesday night's battle was a complete reversal, as Huntley Project jumped out to a lead after the first quarter, 13-8.
The Red Devils continued their strong play in the second quarter, eventually grabbing a 29-17 lead entering halftime. Lodge Grass cut the deficit to 10 early in the third quarter but Huntley Project ripped off a 14-4 run to close the quarter with a 47-23 lead.
Lodge Grass struggled from the field all game against Huntley Project's zone defense, never getting in a rhythm offensively.
"We've got to keep attacking, keep that mindset and not let up. Be relentless," Lodge Grass head coach Josh Stewart said. "Make sure these guys don't fall out of what we've been working on. It's easy to do that when things are unraveling. We're working on having poise in moments like that."
Huntley Project's lead grew to as big as 25 in the fourth quarter before Lodge Grass cut it to 15 by the final buzzer. As the Indians struggled to score, Project's Bouchard brothers had their way with Lodge Grass inside.
Isaiah Bouchard finished with 17 points, but Noah Bouchard's 25 led the way for Project. Noah Bouchard was able to get into the teeth of Lodge Grass's defense constantly, which resulted in a big night from the foul line, too. Damon Gros Ventre was the only Lodge Grass player in double figures with 15.
It's the first loss for Lodge Grass to a Class B team this season, as the Indians had losses to Class A Hardin and Wyoming Indian School in Ethete, Wyo. Huntley Project improves to 13-2 overall, while Lodge Grass falls to 12-3. The two teams are among the favorites in the Southern B division.
