As prep sports transition into their winter programs, the Brookings-Harbor boys varsity basketball team and head coach Luke Beaman came into their fourth preseason challenge on a three game winning streak, hosting the 2-1 Myrtle Point Bobcats Friday evening.
The Bruin boys coming off of a win against Gold Beach Tuesday evening, came out with high energy right from the tip-off, applying back court pressure with a full court press to set the pace early, jumping out to an early 8 point lead. But Myrtle Point would find a way to stay close, slowing the Bruin offense and putting up 7 points in the period to stay within 6 points.
The second period was a hard fought eight minutes, with both teams looking to establish control, and neither able to extend any measurable lead. Although the Bruins would never trail in the first half, the Bobcats would keep the game close going into the halftime break with the Bruins leading 20-17.
Myrtle Point came out after the break making adjustments to slow the Bruins offense, and ran on mistakes scoring 12 points to start the third period, while holding the Bruins to just 4 points. The physical defensive play by Myrtle Point held the Bruins to just 9 points in the period and forced Bruin turnovers that the Bobcats took full advantage of, scoring 21 points in the period to take a 29-38 Bobcat lead into the final period.
The fourth period was a battle from beginning to end, as the Bruins fought their back putting up 11 points to start the fourth while defensively holding the Bobcats to just 6 points making the score 40-44 midway through the fourth. The Bruins would continue the pressure, scoring another 8 points to re-take the lead 48-46 with 2:16 left to play. The Bruins would hit 5 three point shots and go 6 for 6 from the line in a 29 point fourth quarter to take the 58-54 win and now sit 4-0 in preseason action.
The Bruin boys will be on the road continuing preseason action until meeting with Gold Beach at home, Monday, December 29th.
