Braxton Knights Win First Game Of Basketball Season

By Shirley Shuman
Playing their season-opening game at Robert L. Bland, the Knights came home with a 39-33 win. Braxton coach Nick Long called the win “a great way to open the season against a solid opponent” and noted that his team led throughout the game.
Two players scored in double figures to lead the Braxton team. Holden Lloyd was high scorer with 14 points, and Cohen McPherson scored 12. Raidyn Davis and Rayden Rutherford each added 4, Lane Lewis and Colin Baldwin each scored 2, and Ira Ransbottom had 1. The team pulled down 44 rebounds, 13 steals, and two blocked shots.
At the end of the first quarter, the Knights led 8-3. Coach Long explained that the game had “started out slowly for both teams in what appeared to be the first game excitement and nerves.” To start, the Knights missed shots and had some turnovers, but they soon adjusted and “started scoring fast-break layups from rebounds and stealing the ball.” The Knights continued their defensive pressure and strong rebounding throughout the second quarter and led 18-9 at halftime.
Braxton’s lead diminished in the third quarter as RLB became more successful with their 3-point shooting. Four 3-point shots and success at the foul line cut Braxton’s lead to one, 29-28, going into the fourth. The Knights did come back strong in the final quarter as their defense held RLB to five points. Coach Long noted, “Consistent scoring, rebounding, defense, limiting turnovers, and great teamwork from everyone led to the first-game win.”
The Braxton coach added, “Coach Rhodes and I are very proud of how much this team has improved since the last scrimmage. We are all working well together as a team and continue to work to improve.”
Braxton’s varsity and junior varsity hosted Summersville Tuesday night and have another home game, this one against South Harrison, Thursday night. They play at Midland Trail Saturday.
Editor’s Note: See additional coverage of Braxton Middle School Knights sports on page 6 of this issue.