Broncos’ defense is the name of the game

By Sandy Anderberg

The 20-2 Clarendon Broncos kept up their winning streak last week as they rolled over Memphis at home and Wheeler on the road.

That overall winning record, which includes going 5-0 so far in district, has given the Broncos a high state ranking according to the coaches’ poll. After this week, the Broncos will only have three regular season games left.

The Broncos easily defeated the Cyclones, 79-40, with their quickness on defense and their great offensive execution. The Broncos took the early lead in the first quarter of play and were able to turn up their game before the break to take a commanding lead.

The Cyclones were helpless to stop their attack and the Broncos coasted to the win.

Marshal Johnson completely dominated inside and the team was able to feed him the ball all night. Johnson finished with 30 points. Bear Smith and Jacob Jeffers also finished in double figures to help lead their team to the win with 16 and 11 points respectively. Smith also grabbed nine rebounds. Bryce Grahn scored six points, but had four rebounds, six assists, four steals, and two deflections.

Chance Lockhart added six points, six assists, and three steals, and Colt Wood had six points (including one three-pointer), six assists, and four rebounds. Damarjae Cortez had two points and three deflections and Keandre Cortez added two points with two deflections.

“Marshal had a great game shooting the ball,” head coach Brandt Lockhart said. “We did a good job of playing team defense and our guards did a great job of getting Marshal the ball.”

The Broncos had a little tougher win against the Wheeler Mustangs Friday night. They were able to defeat them 45-31. Lockhart felt the Broncos’ defense was key in the win.

“Overall we did not play our best game, but did a good job on defense,” he said.

The Broncos led the entire game, but the Mustangs kept it somewhat close in the first half of play. Lockhart hit two-three pointers for a total of 15 to lead the Broncos on the board, and Johnson added 10.

Wood hit one three and finished with nine, while D. Cortez had five. Smith helped with four, and K. Cortez and Jeffers each had one. Smith grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the team and Lockhart had eight. He also had three assists and two steals. Wood had four assists and three steals, Grahn had three assists, and Johnson had two steals.

The Broncos will travel to Panhandle Friday, February 3, and host Claude on Tuesday, February 7, beginning at 8:00 p.m.