The Broncos were on target for a continuation of their 2009-2010 season at the Regional Tournament this weekend in Levelland, but the Gruver Greyhounds were relentless to not be denied a state appearance for a second year in a row.
After fighting hard and giving their all for four quarters, the Broncos fell in the Regional Final 36-43.
Anyone who witnessed the matchup knew the Broncos were determined to win.
A great fan base cheered their team with intensity and, despite the end result, was proud of the way their players represented their school and community.
The Broncos missed a trip to Austin to play for the state championship, but their determination was extraordinary, and the community could not be prouder of their achievements.
After trailing in the first quarter, the Broncos rallied back to tie the game in the third. A slow-shooting fourth quarter proved fatal for the Broncos as the Greyhounds went on to take the game, and the Broncos were awarded the runner-up trophy.
Johnny Gaines led the Broncos in scoring and was the only player to finish in double figures.
“It was a hard-fought game,” coach Clint Coley said. “We have to give Gruver a lot of credit. They were able to really slow the game down, and we knew if it was in the 30s or 40s that it would be more in their favor.”
The Broncos struggled somewhat finding their shot, especially in the fourth quarter.
“We just didn’t shoot the ball the way we had most of this playoff run,” Coley said. “I thought the three-pointer that they hit to end the third quarter was huge because that tied it going into the fourth.”
Coley felt if the Broncos had taken a lead into the final quarter, the outcome could have been different.
“We probably would have pulled it out,” Coley said. “It would have made them come man us up, which I think would have given us the advantage. But them playing in the regional finals last year was a big advantage from an experience standpoint, and hopefully we can use that next year.”
Scoring: Gaines 13, Stephino McCampbell 7, Tre Brown 6, Justin Shillings 6, Brayden Phillips 3, and Jadon Thornton 1.
In the Regional semi-final game the previous night, the Broncos scorched a very physical Seagraves team, 72-56. The Broncos led throughout and handled their opponent with intensity.
Junior guard Johnny Gaines once again led the Broncos with 22 points. Tre Brown and Stephino McCampbell finished in double figures as well with 19 and 15 points respectively.
“We continued our hot shooting and got out to a pretty good lead in the second half,” Coley said. “Seagraves had tremendous athletes, and they tried to run with us. I thought that kind of played into our hands a little bit. We did an excellent job in transition, and I think our depth wore them down a little.”
Coley and the Broncos were appreciative of the fan support this season.
“We would like to thank the community for coming out and supporting our team this year,” Coley said. “It was an awesome sight to see that many Clarendon people in the stands. Words cannot describe how proud I am of these young men.”
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