BIG SPRING — After suffering through a long district season, the Big Spring Steers wished for nothing more than to walk away with a victory in their last game at Steer Gym.

 

The Steers fought to hold a 36-32 lead at halftime before exploding for 26 points in the fourth quarter, defeating the Plainview Bulldogs, 84-63.

With the score tied at six Jason Walker was fouled as he drove to the basket. The senior calmly drained the two charity shots, setting off a quick 6-0 run for the Steers and enabling them to hold a 16-11 advantage after the first quarter of play.

The second quarter featured six lead changes as neither team was able to put together a run of any kind until the 2:40 mark when another senior stepped to the plate for the Steers.

With the Bulldogs leading 27-26 Terrance Clemons, one of four seniors playing in their final home game for the Steers, pulled down the offensive rebound and stroked in a short 10 footer, giving Big Spring the lead for good at 28-26 on their way to the 36-32 halftime lead.

Big Spring wasted little time trying to distance themselves from the Bulldogs to start the second half, ripping off eight straight points. The 8-0 run ended with an emphatic dunk by Walker, opening up a 44-32 lead.

Plainview was not yet ready to give up the fight, though, ripping off a quick 5-0 run of their own.

The game looked as if it was destined to be a nail biter as the teams continued to answer shot for shot, finding the Steers holding a 67-61 lead with just four minutes remaining in the game after yet another three-point bomb by Plainview.

However, Big Spring was determined to make this night one to remember for its seniors.

Clemons was once again the instigator, draining a short jumper before finding himself on the receiving end of a Phillips outlet pass off a steal. Clemons drove to the basket for the 3-point play that became the beginning of the end for the Bulldogs as the Steers slammed into overdrive for a 15-2 run to end the game.

“We played well offensively and defensively.” Steers Head Coach Marcus Morris said. “We shot the ball real well and played aggressively all night.”

When asked what his four seniors — Clemons, Lance Gross, Phillips, and Walker — have meant to him this season Morris was quick to respond.

“They have meant everything to this team,” he raved. “They have provided offense, defense, some great leadership and even comic relief at times.”

Clemons led the way for the Steers with a game-high 25 points while Walker poured in 18 of his own.

Tyrone Clemons and Phillips also hit the double-figures mark, scoring 10 apiece.

Gross scored eight points in his final game as a Big Spring Steer.

Big Spring returns seven lettermen next season.

The Steers finish this season 12-15 overall and 2-6 in District 4-4A play. They won their last two district games and led in the third or fourth quarter of all but two of their six district losses.

Plainview    11   21   18   13—63

Big Spring    16   20   20   28—84

Plainview: Miller 19, Dulakis 3, Lopez 2, Egnew 11, Boram 12, Carter 8, Richards 8.

Big Spring (12-15, 2-6): Terrance Clemons 25, Lance Gross 8, Jerrell Williams 6, Tyrone Clemons 10, Hayden Phillips 10, Jason Walker 18, Matt Ritchey 2, Sidney Parker 5.