Wildcats, Lady ’Cats down Miami in GVVC doubleheader

Bronaugh Wildcat freshman guard J.R. Stratford, releases a 3-pointer in the first quarter of Tuesday’s conference road victory over the Miami Eagles.

Submitted photo

After back-to-back weeks of tournament action, Bronaugh’s boys and girls basketball teams resumed conference play Jan. 23, with the Wildcats and Lady Wildcats sweeping the Miami Eagles in a Golden Valley Vernon County Conference twinbill in Amoret.

The Bronaugh boys prevailed 45-42, improving to 2-15 overall and 1-4 in GVVC-play — while the Lady ’Cats earned a decisive 46-25 victory to improve to 6-12 overall and 2-3 in the GVVC.

“I was really pleased with how both the boys and girls played Tuesday night,” said Bronaugh head coach,” Daryl Dodson. “We still have a lot of work to do, but we are getting better.”

In the boys contest, Bronaugh jumped out to a 13-7 first quarter lead, before Miami knotted the contest 21-21 at halftime. The Wildcats then responded with a 14-7 third quarter run to go in front 35-28. The Eagles were strong in the fourth, outscoring the ’Cats 14-10, but could get no closer as Bronaugh held on for the three-point victory.

Paced by freshman guard J.R. Stratford’s game-high 18 points, Bronaugh connected on 18-of-46 from the field and 5-of-15 from 3-point land. The game was evenly played, with both teams corralling 21 rebounds apiece, and each committing 15 turnovers. Bronaugh, however, held an 8-2 steal advantage.

Stratford’s 18 point outing included 8-of-17 shooting from the field, to go along with five rebounds, two steals and two assists. Also for Bronaugh, guards Dallas McIntire and Kyle Harrell combined for 16.

In the girls contest, the Lady ’Cats came out on fire, opening a 15-2 first quarter lead, and held a 25-9 halftime advantage. The Lady ’Cats kept Miami at arms length in the second half, outscoring the Eagles 21-16 en route to the convincing 21-point victory.

Bronaugh shot only 28 percent on the night, but was lifted by forward Riley Knapp’s 22 point, 14 rebound, three assist performance. In addition, fellow forward Paige Wait chipped in six points and a game-high 16 rebounds, while freshman guard Bailey Cliffman added 10 points.

The Lady ’Cats hammered Miami on the boards, 41-26, while holding a decisive 18-3 advantage on the offensive glass. Bronaugh also held a 15-0 assist advantage, as Miami point guard Merissa Talley was held to 4-of-21 from the field.