Broncos grab two much-needed district wins

By Sandy Anderberg

The Broncos are coming off a totally dominating week as they racked up big wins over Quanah and Wheeler. The Quanah game was one-sided with the Broncos getting the huge 84-28 win, but the Wheeler game went to double OT before the Broncos earned the ‘W’ at 59-57.

At home against Quanah, the Broncos were unstoppable and totally frustrated their opponent with great defensive play. The Bronco lead was never in jeopardy the entire game as they were dominant in every aspect.

Offensively, five players finished in double figures as they took advantage of several turnovers and steals.

“We were able to get fast break points and we made seven out of twelve from the three-point line,” coach Brandt Lockhart said. “Our defense was very good and we held Quanah to 28 points, which was a season low for us.”

Junior Ceniceros had 21, and Bryce Grahn put in 16. Chance Lockhart added 13, and Marshal Johnson and Chesson Sims each helped with 10. Damarjae Cortez put in eight, Keandre Cortez had four, and Colt Wood had two. Lockhart added seven rebounds and Grahn had six. Wood racked up eight assists with Cortez helping with five. Grahn had seven steals on defense and Wood had three.

The Wheeler Mustangs proved to be a tougher opponent and it took the Broncos two extended periods to get the win. The Broncos held a three-point lead with just ticks left on the clock and the Mustangs were able to connect on a three to force extra minutes.

It was the Broncos’ turn to force the next OT when Damarjae Cortez made good on a two-pointer. The Broncos then did just enough to earn the win.

“After having two starters foul out, our bench came in a played well,” Lockhart said. “Damarjae hit a big shot to put it into overtime.”

Ceniceros had 15, Johnson 13, and Lockhart 11 to lead the Broncos. Both Lockhart and Johnson posted a double-double with 10 rebounds each to add to their point total. Wood and K. Cortez each had five points, Sims four, and Grahn and D. Cortez had three. Lockhart nearly got a triple-double as he added eight assists. Grahn helped with five assists. The Cortez brothers each had one steal on defense.

The Broncos will play Shamrock at home February 5 and travel to Wellington on Tuesday, February 9, beginning at 8:00 p.m.