Search FortMillTimes.com for:
Sports - Local Sports
rss

Published: Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 / Updated: Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 05:28 PM

Bulldogs finally taste sweet victory

Gold Hill Middle School 8th-graders break losing streak

By Kyle Bluth - Special to the Fort Mill Times

TEGA CAY -- 

The Gold Hill Middle School eighth-grade Bulldogs basketball team ended a losing streak of nearly two years upending Clover 53-46 on Jan. 7.

Playing in front of a home crowd, the Bulldogs came out firing and held an early lead at the end of the first quarter.

From that point on, Gold Hill cruised to its first win of the year and gave the Bulldogs something to celebrate as they enter the second half of the season.

Gold Hill’s coach, Frank L. Dickerson, said taking control of the game at the onset set the tone for his players.

“It was like a calm whisper that came over all of them,” he said.

Bulldogs power forward Hunter Helms notched a double-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks, and point guard Joey Tepper finished with a team high 17 points.

Throughout this season, the Bulldogs have occasionally shown they are capable of dynamic play.

Last week, they capitalized on opportunities and played aggressive fundamental basketball.

“The difference was the intensity, the intensity to win at all costs. It was the Super Bowl for us,” Dickerson said.

As a result of their determination to create positive change, the Gold Hill Bulldogs have become like Renaissance sculptors who chiseled down slabs of bronze and stone.

This is kind of win to admire, not just for the players and coaches, but for parents and faculty who watched it unfold from the bleacher rows.

“I got a couple of high-fives, and as a matter of fact, I even got a few hugs,” Dickerson said, laughing.

Hunter’s father, Evan Helms, basking in the glow after the game, characterized it as an evening made possible from the strengthening of bonds.

“It was a great win for the team. … Those who weren’t in the game helped. … They all push each other to make each other better,” he said.

Clearly, the past two years has been an unforgettable journey, offering a dash of agony, a sprinkle of ecstasy, and everything in between.