The Azalea boys basketball team was home Wednesday evening, hosting Gold Beach who traveled down the coast to take on the Bruin boys.
Gold Beach started the first period setting a fast pace with a full court press that had the game running from end to end as both teams fought to establish an early lead. Gold Beach took advantage of early opportunities taking a 0-11 lead early before stretching that lead to 19 taking a 0-19 lead after the first period.
The Bruin boys struggled with Gold Beach’s full court press which forced Azalea turnovers, creating fast break opportunities and quick points, however, the Azalea boys fought through the pressure trying to keep pace with Gold Beach. Gold Beach continued to take advantage of scoring opportunities to take a 5-27 lead into the half.
Trailing by double digits to start the second half of play, the Bruin boys adjusted their gameplan during the break, and applied a full press of their own, forcing Gold Beach to make mistakes and miscues that created scoring opportunities for the Azalea boys, allowing them to put some points on the board as Gold Beach ended the third period leading 9-39.
In the fourth period, the Bruin boys strung together some baskets for their best quarter of the game, hitting for 10 points in the fourth, while holding Gold Beach to just 2 points in the period, however, Gold Beach would go on to take the 19-41 win.
The Azalea boys basketball team will be on the road in Coquille Monday evening and Myrtle Point Wednesday before their next home game against Driftwood, Monday, February 9th.
