After losing their only game of the season Jan. 24 against Oxford, the Brandon varsity boys basketball team is back to their winning ways.
The Blackhawks had a balanced scoring attack in defeating the host Fenton Tigers 68-45 in a Feb. 7 Flint Metro League game. Brandon improved to 12-1 overall and 8-1 in the league, while Fenton fell to 7-7 overall and 6-3 in the league.
Brandon had a two-point lead against the Tigers, 32-30, at halftime, but the Blackhawks seized control of the game in the third quarter by outscoring Fenton 19-4 in the period to take a 51-34 lead at the end of the third.
‘At halftime, we made a couple adjustments,? Brandon coach Tim Donnan said. ‘We were playing more of a full-court defense, and we switched to a half-court defense. It allowed us to play with more energy, and there weren’t as many breakdowns.?
The Blackhawks were the more aggressive team in getting to the free throw line, shooting 20 free throws to seven for the Tigers. Brandon connected on 16 of those 20 attempts (80 percent).
Adrian Harges headed up a trio of Brandon cagers scoring in double digits, leading all scorers with 16 points, including a 6-of-6 performance from the free throw line.
Adam Howard chipped in with 14 points, while Jerry Cronk added 11, the second straight game he has scored in double digits for the Blackhawks.
‘He’s playing with a sense of urgency ? he realizes this is his last go-round as a senior,? Donnan said of Cronk. ‘He’s practicing real well. He’s a guy that’s very coachable and works hard, and it’s paying off for him.?
In their Feb. 3 game against visiting Holly, the Blackhawks got off to a fast start on their way to a 60-47 victory in Flint Metro action. Holly dropped to 1-12 overall and 1-7 in the league with the loss.
Gary Glasby drilled three three-point shots on his way to a team-leading 13 points. Donald Carter added 12 points and Cronk 10 for the Blackhawks.