Broncos, Lady Broncos participate in tourneys

The Clarendon Broncos made a good showing at the Caprock Fibermax Tournament in Lubbock with two wins and two losses. Both losses, one to Idalou and one to Bronte, were against state-ranked teams.

The Broncos opened the tournament with a big win against Presido at 65-38. It was never really a contest as the Broncos held their opponent to single digits in the first half of play. All-around player Johnny Gaines led the Bronco scorers with 29.
Also scoring: Justin Shillings 9, Brayden Phillips 7, Cole Ward 6, Adam Topper 6, Mike Crump 4, Chris Crump 2, and Wes Williams 2.

The next game put the Broncos up against Idalou and they were defeated, 33-60. The Broncos could never find a rhythm in the game and trailed throughout.

Scoring: Gaines 8, Phillips 6, M. Crump 6, Shillings 4, Topper 4, C. Crump 3, and Williams 2.

The Broncos went out strong in the third game of the contest and easily defeated New Deal, 46-65. Clarendon totally dominated their opponent as they executed on both ends of the court. Three Broncos finished in double figures with Gaines leading the way with 19 and Phillips and M. Crump added 11 each of their own. As a team, the Broncos shot an impressive 82 percent from the free throw line.

Also scoring: Ward 8, Shillings 6, C. Crump 4, Topper 4, and Williams 2.

The Broncos then went to the Consolation round and faced Bronte. They were narrowly defeated at 44-47. The Broncos led at the end of the first half, but the inside play of Bronte helped with their win. Foul trouble plagued the Broncos, and they could never get into their game. Despite the outcome, coach Brandt Lockhart was pleased with the Broncos’ play.

“Overall, we played well,” Lockhart said. “We had two off games against Idalou and Bronte, but they are state-ranked teams.”

The Broncos will continue to work hard and prepare for their District opener January 14 against Wheeler.

Scoring: Gaines 17, Phillips 14, Shillings 4, Ward 4, C. Crump 3, and Williams 2.
The Broncos will take on Groom on the road January 7 at 7:30 p.m. and play Arbor Academy at home January 11 also at 7:30 p.m. The Bronco JV will play those dates as well beginning at 6:00 p.m.