By Shirley Shuman
In last Thursday’s regional game, Braxton outscored Moorefield 42-35 to earn a trip to the state tournament. The Eagles’ first game of the 2022 tourney will be Wednesday against St. Marys. Game time will be 7:15. This is Braxton’s first time for this accomplishment since 2018. That trip, too, was under Coach Josh Lunceford.
Eagles’ coach Josh Lunceford commented that the game against Moorefield was low-scoring “because neither team shot very well.” Braxton led through most of the game, but Moorefield came up to take the lead late in the game. Coach Lunceford explained his team’s ability to take the win. “We pressured and forced a bunch of turnovers at the end of the game,” he said.
The coach focused on D.J. Coomes’ contribution to the win. “D.J played really well. He had 17 points, and 11 of them came in the fourth quarter. He also played good defense,” he said. Coomes had a perfect 11 for 11 performance at the free throw line.
In addition to Coomes’ 17 points, Spencer Bosely added 2, Lane Marrow 3, William Forbush 8, Beau Liston 6, and Mason Abraham 6. “Our whole team played a good game,” Coach Lunceford added. “They followed the game plan, played good defense, and rebounded well.” The team was 16 for 20 at the line.
Looking forward to Wednesday night’s game against St. Mary’s, the Eagles’ coach described St. Marys as “a really disciplined, well-coached team.” He then noted that his team “has been playing a lot better and been following instructions.” Coach Lunceford added, “If we play well, we’ll be able to compete with them.”