Broncos beat Wheeler

By Sandy Anderberg

The Broncos took a big step in the district race with a big 55-45 win over Wheeler on the road Friday night.  The Broncos overcame a first half deficit to bring home the win.

Wheeler led from the beginning and the Broncos had to regroup and play catch up.  Their offense began to come around and they were able to take advantage of their aggressiveness to take the lead after three.  The Mustangs committed several fouls in the final period and put the Broncos on the line for 14 free shots.  Clarendon took advantage of the called fouls and shot 63 percent from the charity line.  The players who stepped up inside and accounted for 44 of the total points was Cole Ward (17), Adam Topper (16), and Tyler Burch (11).  Guard Cody Wood also ended the game in double figures with 10 and Wes Williams put in one point.

Earlier in the week, the Broncos took on Arbor Academy in a non-district game and defeated them 60-50.  Like the Wheeler game, it was a close contest throughout the first half of play, but the Broncos stated hitting their shots in the third quarter of play.  The spread in the third quarter proved to be enough and the Broncos were able to close out the game to get the win.  Just like the Wheeler game, the Broncos shot good free throws (88 percent against the Patriots, which aided them in their win.  Ward was able to control the boards inside and was good for 20 points.  Topper added 15 and Wood helped with 10.

“The third quarter was the difference,” coach Brandt Lockhart said.  “We finally started making shots.”

Scoring:  Ward 20, Topper 15, Wood 10, Trevor Cobb 7, Williams 6, and Burch 2.

The Broncos will be open January 20 and will take on Memphis at home January 24 and travel to Quanah January 27.