By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
It was showdown time in the Wolverine Conference for a pair of red-hot freshmen basketball teams.
Dowagiac, winners of eight straight, played host to undefeated (12-0) South Haven on Saturday afternoon.
The Chieftains dominated the contest from beginning to end as it posted a 72-61 victory over the Rams.
Dowagiac picked up its ninth straight win and improved to 10-3 on the season. The win also erased a 53-48 loss to the Rams earlier this season.
The Chieftains jumped out to a 26-13 lead after one period of play and led 42-33 at halftime.
Dowagiac increased its lead to 56-46 heading into the final eight minutes.
The Chieftains outscored the Rams 16-15 in the final period to complete the victory.
Jalen Nickens led Dowagiac with 25 points. Damone Huff added 19 points, while Cody Cox and Brandon Douglas finished with 13 and 10 points respectively.
Dowagiac…81
Plainwell…30
The Chieftains made it eight straight on Friday night with a blowout of host Plainwell.
Douglas finished with a triple-double as he scored 18 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and had 10 steals.
Nickens led Dowagiac with 22 points, while Huff finished with 20 points.
The Chieftains are back in action on Tuesday when it hosts Vicksburg. The game is scheduled to begin at 4:15 p.m.