Aamahne Santos scored a career high 22 points for Cloud County but it was not enough as they fell to Dodge City 63-48. It was the last time playing on Erkenbrack Court for three Cloud County sophomores, Demonte Ojinnaka, Jesse Patrick, and Sterlin Cato.

Both teams struggled shooting the basketball early on. It took until the 16:19 mark in the 1st half for Cloud to get on the board. Luckily, the T-Bird defense was containing Dodge City on the other end. Devonte Dixon left the game just a minute in due to an apparent face injury, but returned to give Cloud a spark late in the half. With 1:59 left in the half Cloud cut the Conquistador lead to 21-16 thanks to five straight points from Dixon. The Conqs carried a 26-18 lead into the halftime break.

Dodge City came out of the break and extended their lead to 11 before Aamahne Santos began to get Cloud back into it. Santos scored 18 of his career high 22 in the second half. He scored 13 of Cloud's first 16 second half points.

With 10:05 to play Jeremy Treaudo was issued a technical foul for Dodge City. Cloud capitalized as Santos drained both free throws and Jesse Patrick scored completing a four point possession pulling Cloud to within four at 44-40. Dodge City Head Coach Kyle Campbell called a timeout with Cloud County grabbing the momentum. Out of the timeout, the Conqs went on a quick 7-0 burst to jump back up by 11 and seal it.

Both teams struggled from the floor. Cloud shot 29.6% from the field and 25% from deep. Dodge City shot 39.3% from the field and 22% from three. 

Santos led Cloud with 22 and also had 5 rebounds. Devonte Dixon scored 10 points.  

The regular season is over for the T-Birds. The Thunderbirds will enter a single elimination Region VI tournament and look to play spoiler as they will enter as the #15 seed. A first round road opponent will be announced tomorrow (Tuesday). Check www.cloudtbirds.com for the official pairings.