By Sandy Anderberg
The Clarendon Broncos did not miss a step over the holiday break as they turned four big wins into a tournament championship at Gruver. The Broncos got past the Amarillo Flames, Perryton, Panhandle, and Texline to win the event.
The Broncos took on the Amarillo Flames in the first round and breezed by them at 74-48. The Broncos dominated most of the game and after the break, came out on fire and outscored the Flames by 14 points to get the win.
Bryce Grahn posted a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. He also added seven assists and five steals. Four other Broncos posted double figures as well. Chesson Sims led with 16, Marshal Johnson helped with 12 points and eight rebounds, Colt Wood added 11, and Junior Ceniceros had 10.
The Broncos defeated Perryton in the next round, 60-43. Once again the Broncos were on their game led by Ceniceros who posted 27 points that included four three-pointers. Chance Lockhart hit thee-three pointers, and Johnson grabbed seven rebounds. Ceniceros, Sims, and Bear Smith added six rebounds, as well.
The third round game turned into a tough game against Panhandle, but the Broncos were focused and on their game defeating them 80-60 after leading the entire 32 minutes.
Clarendon played a fairly clean game, but shot 31 out of 35 free throws hitting 89% as a team.
Ceniceros put in 21 points, Grahn and Lockhart helped with 16 each, and Wood added 13. Grahn also had four rebounds and five assists in the win and Sims had four rebounds while Lockhart had three steals on defense. It was a big win for the Broncos and they rode that momentum into the championship game with Texline where they won 58-43.
After playing the first quarter to a 15-15 tie, the Broncos opened an eight-point lead going into the break. They were able to come out and finish the game in the second half and claim the championship.
Lockhart was three for three from the three-point line and also went three for three from the bonus. He added six rebounds as well. Johnson worked hard inside and put in 14 points, while Ceniceros added 13 points, and Grahn grabbed seven rebounds and had five assists.
Coach Brandt Lockhart was pleased with the work the Broncos did in the four games.
“I felt like overall we played really well in the Gruver Tournament,” he said. “We still have areas where we need to get better. Keandre Cortez played excellent defense throughout the tournament.”
On Saturday, the Broncos hosted Fritch and won easily at 71-39. Despite playing four tough games at the end of the week, the Broncos put four quarters together and earned a big win. Fritch was unable to answer everything the Broncos did offensively.
Grahn had a big night putting in 18 points, and Ceniceros added 12. Wood and Johnson each helped with 11.
The Broncos will not have a game January 8 but will play Ascension Academy at home January 12 at 8:00 p.m. They will begin district play January 18 at Memphis.
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