Poplar Loses Opening Game Against Malta

Poplar lost a tough 47-43 opening-round game against Malta at the District 2B boys’ basketball tournament on Thursday, Feb. 16.

The Indians led by a 35-30 margin after three quarters of action. Malta struck for 17 points in the fourth quarter including eight points by Treyton Winke.

After falling behind by an 8-5 margin in the first quarter, Poplar struck for 14 points in the second period for a 19-14 half-time lead. Delray Lilley scored five points and Allen Russell added four points in the period.

Poplar accounted for 16 points in the third quarter for a five-point advantage. Geordy Medicine Cloud hit two three-pointers in the period and Russell added six points. Top scorers for the Indians were Lilley with 14 and Russell with 12 points. Medicine Cloud finished with nine points.

Also scoring were Kaniel Ricker with three, Walker Burshia with three and William Youngman with two points.

Leading Malta were Wilke with 18 and Bohdi Brenden with 14 points.