The Azalea Boys 8th grade basketball team had its season opener Wednesday hosting Coquille at Azalea Arena.
The AZ Bruins wasted no time jumping out to an early lead, pressing Coquille in their defensive end, and dropping into a 2-3 zone under the basket.
The high energy AZ Bruins established a 9-2 lead at the mid way mark of the first period of the game, however, Coquille stiffened their defense as the period progressed, allowing only 2 more Bruin points in the quarter.
With an 11-4 lead to start the second period, the Bruins continued to apply pressure, continuing to attack Coquille defensively, creating turn-overs and fast break opportunities for the AZ Bruin offense. The Bruins turned those opportunities into points, extending their lead to 22-10 at the half.
Coquille came out to start the third period determined to slow the AZ Bruin offense, but the Bruins started the third period just as they started the first period, applying defensive pressure after missed shots and turnovers.
The mix of high pressure defense and a fast break offense proved to be too much for Coquille, as the AZ Bruins went on to take the season opener win 48-32, and will see their next action Monday, hosting Marshall at 5:30pm.
