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Athens boys basketball
Photo: Tessa Brediger

Athens Falls in District Semifinal

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Senior Joe Burrow’s last game as an Athens Bulldog was a dominant performance like many that fans had seen before. However, despite his game-high 27 points and nine rebounds, his efforts weren’t enough as Athens fell to Unioto 68-57 on March 7.

The Bulldogs found themselves down by double digits for a majority of the district semifinal game to undefeated Unioto, but that did not stop them from fighting back and Athens was able to cut the lead to three points with 3:52 left in the ball game.

Athens got right back in the game as result of a 17-5 run that put them within one possession, but could not seem to complete the comeback, as shots did not fall late in the game.

With under four minutes left to play in the game, the Bulldogs were in striking distance, but the Shermans were able to pull away, just as they had all game. Unioto was not shaken by Athens’ rally and responded well to hold off the Bulldogs to continue their perfect season.

Unioto was led by senior Nick Corcoran who finished the night with 21 points while Cottrill earned another 15 points in Saturday night’s win.

Despite Athens’ somewhat early exit in the tournament, the team had an astonishing season finishing with 22 wins, and Bulldogs coach Jeff Skinner has coached the group of seniors to win three sectional titles and a district title two years ago.

The Bulldogs will have a different look to them next year, as they will be losing Burrow, Ryan Luehrman and Adam Luehrman, all key players graduating this year.