Broncos exit early from playoffs

By Sandy Anderberg

The Broncos put up a great fight, but were narrowly knocked out of the post-season play last Tuesday night by the Gruver Greyhounds at 56-50. It was a hard-fought battle the entire game, but the Broncos could not convert crucial shots and Gruver came out on top.

The Broncos had a great season and went undefeated in the first half of District play finishing 22-8 overall. They finished second behind Wellington in the district race, who was knocked out in the Area round by Farwell. Gruver lost by two points in the Area round after taking Panhandle to overtime. The Broncos trailed the Greyhounds by six points after the first period, but worked their way back in the game to tie their opponent at the break. Gruver posted a fairly strong third quarter to lead by five and they were able to hold that spread until the end.

The Broncos came back to only trail by three late in the game, but fouls allowed Gruver to go to the bonus line where they shot 70 percent from the line. The Broncos shot 78 percent from the bonus, but shot only nine compared to twenty for Gruver.

“We had our opportunities at the end, but it just did not happen for us,” head coach Brandt Lockhart said. “I was pleased the way we fought the whole game.”

Senior Charles Mason led the Broncos with 18 points and three steals and Chance Lockhart helped with 13 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Colt Wood put in nine points and senior Cedrick McCampbell had six points and eight rebounds. Riley Shadle and Bryce Grahn each had two points on the night. Grahn also had four assists and two steals and Taylon Knorpp took two charges.

“I was proud of the way these players worked hard all year,” Lockhart said. “This team had all nine players step up all year long and do things that do not show up in the stats. Coach Gaines and I really enjoyed coaching the JV and varsity this year. We enjoyed coaching Charles and Cedrick for the four years.”