Buckeye Comes Up Short Against Valparaiso in Bob Wettig Tournament Opener

RICHMOND, Ind. — Buckeye High School’s boys basketball team staged a strong offensive effort but could not overcome a late surge from Valparaiso, falling 70-63 in its opening game of the Bob Wettig Tournament on Monday at Richmond High School.

The Bucks trailed by four at halftime yet remained within striking distance throughout, leaning on hot perimeter shooting and balanced scoring to stay close. Valparaiso, however, made enough plays in the closing minutes to keep Buckeye from completing a comeback, handing the Bucks a hard-fought loss against one of the tournament’s more talented squads.

Senior guard Turner Dolata set the tone early for Buckeye, pouring in 21 points and knocking down four 3-pointers in the first half to keep the Bucks’ offense humming. His shooting helped steady Buckeye whenever Valparaiso appeared poised to create separation, and his ability to stretch the floor opened driving lanes for his teammates.

Austin Hyre provided another key scoring punch, finishing with 18 points as he attacked the rim and converted in the half court. Guard play remained a strength throughout the afternoon, with Zach Stough adding 16 points and giving the Bucks a reliable option both in transition and in the half-court offense. The trio accounted for the bulk of Buckeye’s 63 points and kept the Bucks competitive into the final stretch.

Defensively, Buckeye worked to slow a Valparaiso lineup that showed balance and physicality. The Bucks battled on the glass and worked to contest perimeter looks, but Valparaiso’s late-game execution — including timely scores and free throws — proved to be the difference. Despite the loss, Buckeye’s effort level and response to adversity against a quality opponent were evident throughout the contest.

The matchup marked Buckeye’s first game of the Indiana-based tournament and offered valuable experience against out-of-state competition. The Bucks will look to build on the offensive performances of Dolata, Hyre and Stough while tightening late-game execution as the tournament continues at Richmond High School.