Broncos fall to Panhandle, prepare for post-season

By Sandy Anderberg

The Broncos may have stumbled against a good Panhandle team at home last Tuesday night, but they are still on their way to the playoffs, recording only two district losses overall. The Broncos were defeated 48-62 in a game that was closer than the actual score revealed.

The game was fairly close in the first half with the Broncos trailing the Panthers. But with approximately five minutes to go in the third period, the Broncos took their first lead of the game. It was short-lived, however, as Panhandle came roaring back to retake the lead and get the win. In spite of the loss, the Broncos played hard and were solid until late in the third quarter of play.

“I thought our effort was good,” coach Brandt Lockhart said. “We did not play good defense in the third quarter, and they were able to stretch the lead.”

Free throws made a big difference in the Broncos’ loss as they only hit eight for seventeen for 47 percent. The Broncos were able to hit three three-point shots in the game with two of those coming from Cody Wood. Wood also led the Broncos on the scoreboard with 14 points, and Diego Santos helped with 12. They were the only Broncos to finish in double figures.

Scoring: Wood 14, Santos 12, Cole Ward 9, Trajen Johnson 6, Adam Topper 4, Jonah Sell 2, and Chance McAnear 1.

The Clarendon Broncos took on Ropes in Floydada Monday night. They defeated the Eagles 62-40.

The Broncos jumped out to the early advantage and led by 16 points at the break. They were able to execute their offense and played solid defense to secure their win.

Several Broncos stepped up their game and they were able to use the inside strength of Adam Topper to put points on the board. Topper finished with 22. Cole Ward and Diego Santos finished in double figures as well. The Broncos also took care of business at the free throw line connecting on 15 of 18 for 83 percent.

“We were able to get turnovers and turn them into easy points,” coach Lockhart said. “I was pleased with everyone’s effort.”

Scoring: Topper 22, Ward 14, Santos 11, Trajen Johnson 6, Cody Wood 5, Jonah Sell 2, and Ashton Smith 2.

The Broncos will play Grady in another warm-up game on Saturday at Randall High School at 3:00 pm. Grady is ranked number seven in the state in Division II in class 1A.

The Broncos’ first playoff game against Booker will be in Borger at Frank Phillips College on Tuesday, February 19 beginning at 7:00 p.m.