Dibrell Elementary had great success defending their home gym as the Wildcats beat the Irving College Tigers 46-29 in a rather intense game Monday.
Previously, these two rivals played in a game decided by double overtime with Dibrell edging out the win. But Irving College wasn’t able to keep up with the Wildcats this time around.
Dibrell used a dominant first half to grab a big halftime lead and the Wildcats were able to fend off the Tigers from there.
Lee-Allen Esparza was the game-high scorer for Dibrell with 14.
Irving College was led by Brayden Snider with 13.
The game started pretty evenly. Wildcat post Chance Whitlock scored 6 points under the basket to help gain the lead. Kaden Pendergraph added to the Dibrell score with a 3-pointer.
Irving College’s Anden Green followed that with a 3 himself to keep the Tigers in the game. The second quarter proved to be Irving College’s downfall as the Tigers were hardly able to score on Dibrell’s fierce defense. By halftime, the Dibrell Wildcats were up 23-10.
The second half would prove more competitive for both teams as the scoring picked up. Dibrell’s Esparza became a threat against the Tigers as he managed to make a few steals and layups for the Wildcats.
Corban Felton of Irving College also became an offensive threat as he maneuvered through Dibrell for shots or passes. The comeback was still looking difficult for Irving College, but the Tigers knuckled down going into the fourth.
Snider’s accuracy became stronger under pressure as he made two 3-pointers for the Tigers. However, Esparza stayed consistent with the baskets making sure Irving College couldn’t catch up.
The win keeps the Dibrell boys undefeated and atop the 7-8 grade standings. The Wildcats still have not played Morrison in the regular season as games have twice been postponed.
DIBRELL -- Lee-Allen Esparza 14, Chance Whitlock 9, Kaden Pendergraph 8, Syler Simmons 7, Evan Tittsworth 4, Jace Matheney 2, Sawyer Stanton 2 IRVING COLLEGE -- Brayden Snider 13, Corban Felton 9, Anden Green 5, Wesley Clendenon 2
