“Bucs steals game late”

It is only the district semi-finals and my “Class C” bracket was about to fall apart.  After picking Beecher to advance to the State Championship they found theirselves against the ropes last night against their next door neighbor, Flint Hamady in front of a standing room only crowd.

The Hawks got Beecher in early foul trouble and I also think Beecher was surprised by the play of freshman wing Pierre Brackett.  The freshman led a first half run to give his team the early lead.  Hamady ended the first half with an 11-2 run to take a 32-24 lead into the half. 

Hamady continued to control the game and the Hawks looked like they were one play away from breaking the game open.  A DeMarkus Jackson lay up gave Hamady a 49-42 lead with four minutes to play forcing Beecher to call a time out. 

I don’t know what was said in the time out, but it worked as the Bucs picked up their full court pressure and took their game to another level.  Two quick baskets by Taron Boose, and another by Dominque Allen and the lead was down to one.

With two minutes to play Boose got another basket to fall, and Beecher had their first lead of the game 50-49.  Hamady turned the ball over on their next two possessions and Beecher turned those turnovers into points for a 54-49 lead with less than a minute to go.  Hamady was only able to muster one more basket as Beecher ran away with a 59-51 win.        

 

BREAKDOWN

Game Ball- Taron Boose #31 came up with some big points in the first quarter when Beecher was struggling to find good shots against Hamady’s zone.  He then fought foul trouble for the rest of the game, but to give the young sophomore credit he stayed focus.  Beecher went inside to Boose on the block, and he worked out during that fourth quarter rally.  Boose finished with a game high 17 points. 

Beecher- Beecher advances to the district final against Byron and they should have an easier game than they did against Hamady.  Coach Williams kept his kids focused and when they had to turn it up a notch his players responded.  Beecher couldn’t get shots to fall but they won this game with their defense. 

Hamady- Hamady didn’t go to a stall but with five minutes to go they just quit attacking.  The Hawks turned the ball over four straight times in the games final 1:30 and that was the difference. 

Pierre Brackett, #42 Hamady- the freshman played phenomenal in his first tourney game!  He battled inside and scored 7 points in the first quarter while finishing with 12 points and 9 rebounds.  He fouled out with four minutes to go and after he left the floor Hamady fell apart.  Once Brackett was gone, Beecher was able to get to the basket. 

Janero Walker, #10 Beecher- I continue to become a fan of this point guard’s game.  He just does his job- which includes running the offense, playing hard defense, and handling the pressure.  He understands the game and has a very high hoops I.Q.  He finished with 7 points, 4 steals, and 5 assist.