The Burns Broncs came out on top in a close, physical conference game with Guernsey Thursday night, 59-56.
"Our kids did about as good of a job as they have done this year attacking and being the aggressive team," said coach Glen Kirkbride. "We were able to cause some turnovers early in the game that lead to some easy buckets."
The Broncs played an even nine in the first stanza, topping Guernsey by one in the second to lead by one at the half. In the third period, Burns was outscored 12-15, but knocked in five more than Guernsey in the fourth for the win.
Kirkbride added the Broncs were able keep their cool in the fourth canto, take care of the ball and step to the free throw line and knock down shots. The Broncs finished with a season-high -- 22 made free throws on the night. Kirkbride emphasized the game was an overall very good team win.
He noted all of Cole Bostron’s 15 points came in the second half of play, also leading the team with seven rebounds. Also of note were eight steals committed by Trevor McNamee in the game.
In addition to Bostron’s 15, scoring for the Broncs was Brodie Eklund with 19 and Chad Lemaster with 12. Colton Wright and Colby Ward each put up five and McNamee added three.
One Friday night, the Broncs were buffaloed by Chugwater, losing 56-67. The Broncs barreled through the first quarter posting a 17-8 lead. They also lead in the second to take a 10 point lead into the half.
"This was a fast-paced, up-and-down game," Kirkbride said. "Both teams were looking to get up and down the court as fast as they could on offense. We jumped out to an early lead by attacking and sharing the ball, they were able to close the gap on us about halfway through the third quarter, and in the last few minutes of the fourth quarter they were able to pull away."
Second half scoring was a reversal of the first finding Chugwater on top 15-9 in the third and 29-14 in the fourth.
Colton Wright had 17 rebounds to go along with 10 points to finish with a double-double. Shane McDonald was also in double digits with 10 rebounds.
In the scoring column along with Wright was Lemaster and Eklund with 13 each, McNamee and Ward with seven apiece and McDonald with six.
The Broncs will be on the road next as they travel to Southeast on Friday. They follow that game up with home games versus Wright on Saturday and Merino on Thursday, Jan. 21.
