Senator boys basketball falls at Douglas

Carson High School boys basketball didn't have the season it was hoping for this winter, but the Senators still have a chance to make some noise in postseason play.

Monday night, the Senators will take part in the Class 4A North regional play-in game as the No. 9 seed.

With the No. 9 seed comes a road game at No. 8 McQueen at 7 p.m. The winner will play Wednesday at No. 1 Damonte Ranch.

Capping the regular season

The effort level from the Senators was much improved against Douglas on the Tigers’ Senior Night, despite falling to their rivals in Minden, 73-44.

Coming off a tough loss at home to Bishop Manogue, Carson worked its way through the first quarter, trailing by a single possession.

“The boys knew it. That (Tuesday) was not an appropriate effort,” said Carson head coach Ty Golden. “The boys definitely played a lot harder and competed all the way to the end with guys diving on the floor in the last minute. That’s exciting to see as a coach.”

Michael Hughes was the first Senator to hit a shot from the outside Friday night, draining a triple from the wing off an assist from Dylan O’Dell.

Hughes' bucket came after he assisted Demarcus Brewster on a layup the offensive possession prior.

Down 14-9, Hughes once again knocked down a triple from the wing – this time off a pass from Justin Moore, who had grabbed an offensive board to get possession.

The Tigers moved their lead to eight, 23-15, early in the second quarter before Landon Hoff got in on the action from beyond-the-arc, swishing a triple from the corner.

Justin Moore added four more points to bring Carson within 11 at the halftime intermission, 37-26.

In the third quarter the Tigers took charge, putting up 20 points to the Senators’ six.

Hughes ended his evening with a team-high nine points while Brewster finished with eight.

“It’s been a hard year, but I do love the kids for their heart and effort,” said Golden.

To get a win in the postseason, Golden said it’ll have to be a 32-minute effort.

“Most games we’re in it for a little bit and we have moments. We have to have that mental focus. … If we can just keep it together and stay focused for the full game, then we will make a run at it. All you can ask for is a chance,” said Golden.