Gainesville Bulldog Coach talks districts with the Times
Gainesville Head Coach Chris Randolph, far right, Jace Headrick (center) and Assistant Coach Wes Johnson react during a particularly tense part of the Bulldogs game against Norwood. Photo by Karla Smith
Gainesville boys head basketball coach Chris Randolph recently reflected on the boys’ district play. The Bulldogs beat Fordland 76-29 in opening play, then won their semi-final game against Norwood, 66-59, in overtime. Randolph said that game gave fans quite a show.
“It was one of the most fun games I’ve ever gotten to coach. I couldn’t be more proud of how our guys responded, and it’s honestly been a testament to the entire season,” he said. “Getting down double figures in the third quarter, it would’ve been really easy to pack it in and give up, but these guys rose to the challenge. They executed exactly what we needed to late in the game and were able to come all the way back and force overtime. We were able to carry that momentum into the overtime period and get it done to put ourselves into the district championship.”
They faced first-seeded Hartville Eagles in the championship game, where they fell 67-42, ending the season in second place.
“It’s always tough when a season comes to a close. It was even more so this season as I have had a ton of fun coaching this group. They are so passionate and play the game so hard all the time. It’s a group that coaches love to get to be a part of. Even in a tough game like this one, the boys never quit working all the way to the last second. They left it all on the floor and have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Hartville is a great team and they executed and played a very good game so hats off to them for that.”