Bulldogs win against Brahmas Jan. 2 in Yoakum

The Yoakum Bulldogs were not really themselves during their last action of 2023 but came back to themselves in their first game of 2024.

With a 21-point performance from X’Zavier Barnett, Yoakum got a 46-37 district win against rival Hallettsville on Jan. 2 at Bulldog Gymnasium. Dougie Mundine’s 15 points and three triples led Hallettsville.

“I am proud of how our guys bounced back after the Luling Holiday Tournament,” Bulldogs head coach Roderick Taylor said. “We were rugged and did a lot of things that were a little unorthodox at the tournament but we returned to Yoakum basketball tonight. We played great defense and took care of the ball. We need to play more disciplined and harder than tonight in our future district games.”

The game started in favor of Hallettsville as they scored nine of the first 14 points, all of them by Dougie Mundine. Buckets by Barnett and Zach Taylor pulled the ‘Dogs even at 9-9, and Barnett scored again and Gage Harrison deposited two free throws to put Yoakum ahead 13-9 at the end of the frame. Converted free throws and a bucket by Barnett got Yoakum to a 17-11, followed by Harrison free throws and then he scored on a dunk after a pass by Clayton Hlavac for a 20-11 lead. The teams then each scored four points to end the half, Yoakum in the driver’s seat at 24-15.

Barnett scored after a rebound and Zach Taylor’s pass to Hlavac resulted in in a jumper and a double-digit ‘Dog lead of 28-17 of the third quarter.

Yoakum scored six of the last 11 points of the frame to be up 34-22.

In the fourth frame, the Brahmas were down 35-22 before going on a 10-2 run, spearheaded by triples by Monte Thigpen and Podnasjsky.

Yoakum responded with a couple of buckets by Barnett and Zach Taylor sinking a three for a 44-34 lead before closing out the game, 46-37.

Yoakum: X’Zavier Barnett 21, Gage Harrison 9, Zach Taylor 7 3pt-1, Jamar Hopkins 6 3pt-1, Clayton Hlavac 2, Isaac Martinez 1.