Broncos turn on defense, beat Wellington

By Sandy Anderberg

The Broncos ended their dry period Friday night when they stunned the Wellington Rockets 45-32 in front of a huge hometown crowd.

The Broncos, now 1-2 in District and 17-5 overall, held control of the game from the beginning despite Wellington’s attempt to keep it close. The point spread was 10 after the first three quarters of play.

The Broncos seemed to be refocused after the two early losses and dominated play on both ends of the court. Both teams were strong defensively and dealt with cold shooting early on, which accounted for the low-scoring game. But the Broncos stayed determined and earned a big win.

Bryce Grahn hit two-three pointers and racked up 15 points. He also added nine of fourteen free throws in the win. Chance Lockhart hit a three-pointer to finish with 11, going 50 percent from the bonus. Colt Wood had and Marshal Johnson each had five, and Junior Ceniceros put in four, while Keandre Cortez and Chesson Sims had two, and Damarjae Cortez finished with one. Lockhart had seven rebounds, and Johnson and Grahn added six each. Grahn had three assists, and Lockhart, Ceniceros, and Wood each helped with two. Grahn had three steals on defense.

“We did a great job of playing team defense the whole game,” coach Brandt Lockhart said. “Colt Wood and Keandre Cortez did a great job of playing defense on their best player.”

Earlier in the week, the Broncos lost a close one to the Shamrock Irish at 47-54. The Broncos led until the fourth quarter when they struggled to finish the game. The Irish went to the bonus line 17 more times than the Broncos making just over 50 percent. Shamrock was eight for twelve in the fourth quarter, which helped in their 20-point fourth quarter.

“We had too many turnovers and did not have a good fourth quarter,” Lockhart said.

Ceniceros pumped in 16 and Johnson had 12. Grahn finished with eight, Lockhart four, K. Cortez and Sims three, and Wood with one. Lockhart grabbed nine rebounds and Johnson helped with seven. Lockhart racked up five assists and Ceniceros had five.

The Broncos will continue their district schedule next Friday, January 29, in Wheeler and host Memphis on Tuesday, February 2, at 8:00 p.m.