BAXTER – The Baxter Bolts used a big third quarter to get separation, then held on to score a 55-47 win over the Braves in junior varsity basketball Saturday evening, Jan. 25.
The game was tied 24-24 at the half, then Baxter outscored the Braves 20-10 in the third quarter. The teams then traded points to the finish. “We came out fast and strong which helped to get us an early lead,” Braves Coach Cal Smith said.
“It was a much better opening than what we had against Keota. However, we got behind early after the start of the second half,” the coach said.
Gavin Strong fired in 26 points to lead the Braves. He hit five three-pointers, and also came down with five rebounds.
Cameron Johnson had five points, four rebounds and three assists.
Colton Benson scored five points and had five rebounds.
Maguire DeJong scored seven points for the Braves.
Montezuma made just 10 turnovers to 22 for the Bolts, but was able to shoot at just a .311 rate from the field. “We do really well on offense. But if we want to continue to win, our defense needs to get stronger,” Smith said. “The number one thing we need to work on is defense.”
“Even though we were down the entire second half, the boys did not quit,” Smith said. “They competed until the end.”