Braves fade in home opener
By Jerry W. Kram
The Parshall Braves got out to a fast start against the Washburn Cardinals in their home opener on Saturday. The Braves had a 10 point lead in the first half, but the Cardinals took the lead in the final two minutes and hung on for a four point victory.
The first quarter was even with Parshall using their speed to drive to the basket and Deyondre Simpson adding a couple of three point shots to balance the Cardinal’s significant height advantage. The Braves had a one point lead before going on a 9-0 run to start the second quarter. The Braves largest lead in the first half was 12 points.
"Every chance we got we made our points," said Head Coach Wade Baker. "But somehow the ball was dropping in for those guys. They were getting the extra rebounds that we couldn’t get. That’s where the difference was."
The Braves slowed down in the second half, in part because of having a short bench due to eligibility problems. With a couple of Braves in foul trouble to start the second half, Baker couldn’t have his best lineup on the floor. In particular, the lack of 6’6" center Monte Goodbird is keenly felt.
"That’s been hurting us," Baker said. "We were outrebounded by a bigger team. We been outrebounded but we haven’t been outrun until today."
