Chase Christie erupted for 11 of his team-high 16 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Bryant Blue Hornets eighth grade boys of Bethel Middle School to a 39-38 win over the Lake Hamilton Wolves eighth grade at Bryant Middle School gym on Thursday.
The Hornets improved to 7-1 on the season. They’re set to host the Anthony School on Monday, Dec. 14 in their final outing before the Christmas break.[more]
Bryant grabbed a 13-9 lead in the first quarter and held an 18-16 edge at the half. But Lake Hamilton rallied to take a 26-21 lead into the fourth quarter.
In addition to Christie’s scoring, Bryce Denker came through in the clutch at the free-throw line, converting 5 of 8 in the final period.
“We came out early in the game and looked sharp versus their man defense,” noted Blue Hornets coach Derek McGrew. “They switched to a zone and we really struggled offensively. They slowed us down and we were only able to hit one 3-point basket.”
Foul trouble led to the Hornets then switching to a zone as well. “For the first time this year,” McGrew noted, “for the entire third quarter.
“But we stepped it up in the fourth quarter and made plays,” he noted. “I was pleased with the win over this talented Lake Hamilton ball club.”
Trevor Ezell added 10 points for the Hornets. With Decker’s 5, Dakota Besancon pitched in with 4 and Chase Thornton 3.
