Broncos runner-up in Greenbelt tournament

By Sandy Anderberg

The Broncos competed in the Championship game against Memphis in the Greenbelt Tournament last weekend and settled for runner-up at 56-71.

The Cyclone height hindered the Broncos somewhat as they faced off inside and they could never get anything going against an aggressive team. After a fairly even first quarter, the Cyclones began to take control before the break. Clarendon rallied back after the break coming out of the locker room and attacked their opponent. But it was not enough and Memphis got the win.

Cole Ward and Adam Topper held their own and finished in double figures.

Scoring: Ward 19, Topper 16, Trajen Johnson 9, Cody Wood 5, Diego Santos 5, and Jonah Sell 2.

The Broncos began the tournament against West Texas and breezed to a 76-32 win. Everything the Broncos threw at the Comanches worked and they were helpless to stop Clarendon’s aggressive play. Ward, Topper, Wood, and Johnson all finished in double figures to lead their team to the win.

Scoring: Ward 21, Topper 14, Wood 14, Johnson 10, Santos 7, Mason 6, and Sell 4.

They took on Fritch in the second round of play and used their quickness and strength to outlast their opponent 89-33. The Broncos were also perfect from the bonus line putting in 13 of 13 free throws. It was never a much of a contest for the Broncos as they took a commanding lead in the first quarter of play and never relented. Topper was on fire with 29, Ward added 13, and Johnson put in 10. Chance McAnear scored eight, Charles Mason and Sell had seven, and Santos added two points.

The Broncos took on Highland Park in the second round and defeated them 72-60.

The Broncos trailed in the first quarter until McAnear connected with a three-pointer at the buzzer to close the first quarter and give the Broncos their first lead of the game. With the Broncos having possession in the second quarter, McAnear hit another three and the Broncos opened up a good lead in the second period of play. The lead did not last, however, and the Hornets got the win. Three Broncos finished in double figures with Ward leading the way with 16 and Topper and Wood following with 15 each. The Broncos shot 77% from the free throw line. Overall, Coach Brandt Lockhart was proud of the Broncos’ play.

“I thought we played well overall throughout the tournament,” Lockhart said. “We stepped up our defense which enable us to get our offense going. We moved the ball well. In the championship game, we could not get a stop when we needed it. Overall, I was pleased with our effort.”

The Broncos also took care of Groom at home last Tuesday as they breezed to a 70-36 win. The Broncos came out on fire with Trajen Johnson making good on nine points in the opening period.

The Broncos played hard and worked together as a team to stifle anything the Tigers attempted. Clarendon led by 18 points at the break and continued to build on that lead in the second half. The inside work of Johnson, Topper, and Ward dominated on offense and Santos put in 12 from his position. Wood, Mason, McAnear, and Sell all contributed to the win with their hustle.

Scoring: Topper 19, Ward 16, Santos 12, Johnson 9, Wood 6, Sell 4, Mason 2, and McAnear 2.

The Broncos will play Boys Ranch at home Friday, December 14 and play in the Canadian Tournament over the holidays.