Going through a tough transition of bringing in new and younger players and finishing a difficult season, coach Hodges and the BHHS varsity boys basketball team hosted a seasoned Sutherlin Bulldog team stacked with seniors and size.
The game started slow offensively as both teams tested their gameplans against the others defense, and establishing positions. Cold shooting was the result as the Bruins held the Bulldogs allowing only one shooter on the scoreboard, with a 3 pointer and a free-throw.
But the Bruins could only get two player in the scoring column in the period, as junior center Brad Russell #10 worked in the paint for two baskets and sophomore Josh Serna went 2 for 2 from the foul line.
In the second period senior Oggie Badger #25 and sophomore Kallen Christensen #12 got on the scoreboard working inside and both off of rebounds as Russell hot from in the paint also while shooting from the perimeter was non existent. The Bulldogs hit two 3 pointers and two baskets to take a 13-14 lead into the half-time break.
With a close game to start the 3rd, the Bulldogs attacked, and the Bruins held off Sutherlin for most of the first half of period, however, Sutherlin got hot from the outside and rallied late in the 3rd to establish a comfortable lead. Russell led the way again for the Bruins hitting inside and going 2 for 2 from the line as the Bruins could only get 8 points on the board as the Bulldogs racked up 23 points in a late period run.
With the Bulldogs determined to keep Russell off the boards, Russell again led the Bruins in the final period of play, hitting three baskets and a free-throw, the two baskets from Badger adding to the Bruins 14 points in the period were not enough to close the gap late.
The Bruins will be on the road at Douglas Wednesday at 6:00pm.
