HHS heads to Class 3A consolation bracket

Angel Rodriguez made his final game in the Hennessey High School gym an epic one.

It just wasn’t quite enough.

The Eagles surrendered a four-point lead in the final 90 seconds, then Rodriguez watched his potential game-tying 3-pointer go in and out with about 15 seconds to play in an eventual 61-59 loss to Riverside in a Class 3A regional semifinal.

The loss dropped Hennessey into the consolation bracket. It played Newkirk on Friday night (after press time) in a consolation semifinal at Millwood. A win advances Hennessey to the consolation finals on Saturday.

Riverside and Hennessey entered Thursday’s game tied in the coaches’ 3A rankings at No. 12.

The game played out that way.

Riverside earned a twopoint lead after the first quarter…and it was the same margin at halftime and after the third.

The Indians could do little to stop Rodriguez.

The lightning-quick Hennessey guard had 13 points by halftime then erupted for 12 more points in the third quarter.

However, Riverside quieted much of the rest of the Eagle offense as the remainder of the Eagles combined for 17 points through three quarters.

Riverside countered with a balanced attack.

Angel Haumpy led his team with 12 points, though he didn’t score in the fourth quarter.

Hayden Big Soldier scored half of his 10 points in the final frame while Ricky Garza, who also scored 10, added a 3-pointer in the fourth.

Kris Botone and Teryn Mack each scored nine points and combined for seven down the stretch.

Combined they helped turn that four-point deficit into a three-point lead.

Rodriguez, who already buried two from long range in the fourth, couldn’t quite get the third one to drop.

He ended his night with 35 points.

Juan Dominguez and Cristian Rodriguez scored six apiece for the Eagles, who dropped to 18-6.

Chisholm defense too much for Lady Eagles

Chisholm made nothing come easy for Hennessey’s offense on Thursdsay.

The result was a trip to the consolation bracket.

The Lady Eagles went without a field goal in the first half and had just seven in the game in a 72-24 loss to No. 18 Chisholm in their 3A regional semifinal matchup.

Chisholm moves into Saturday’s regional title game while Hennessey is now one game from elimination.

The trek through the consolation bracket started Friday night (after press time) against Newkirk.

Chisholm led Hennessey 33-4 at halftime as the Lady Eagles managed only four free throws.

While the offense picked up in the third quarter with four field goals and 12 points, Chisholm still widened the gap.

Tatum Long led all scorers with 22 points for the Lady Longhorns. She was one of three Chisholm players in double figures.

Hennessey was led by Skye Simunek’s five points. Juliana Macy added four.