“Tri-Valley teams battle to buzzer”

Frankenmuth was the obvious favorite but you didn’t have to tell them how dangerous Bridgeport is.  The Bearcats finished the season with a 15-5 record and the Eagles handed them two of those losses in close games. 

The two teams stood neck and neck in a defensive first half battle.  The score was tied 5-5 after one and 27-27 at halftime.  Bridgeport’s Troy Cruz led a defensive game plan that triple teamed Brad Redford every time he touched the ball.  Redford only had two points going into the second quarter. 

Back to back baskets by Redford and Ryan Keith gave the Eagles a 41-34 lead late in the third.  Bridgeport’s EJ Brooks responded with five straight points of his own to keep the Bearcats within reach.  But Redford wasn’t going to be outdone by any individual on the court as he fired back with 8 of the game’s next 10 points to give his Eagles a 51-42 lead after three quarters.

Bridgeport used the entire fourth quarter to slowly fight back.  Derrick Davis’ basket made the score 60-58 with 34 seconds left.  With 11 seconds to go Mario Williams nailed a 3-pointer from the wing to tie the game at 61-61.  Frankenmuth didn’t call a time-out and instantly threw the ball down court to a wide open Matt Bender for the game winning basket. 

 

BREAKDOWN

F-Muth- the Eagles passed a big test and now they might be in for a long run, that might include a trip to the Breslin.  Bridgeport was the toughest team the Eagles will play in the rest of districts and regionals. 

Game Ball- Brad Redford #12 Brad led the Eagles with 33 points but more importantly he knew when to give it up.  Bridgeport triple team Redford, and Brad did a good job of balancing his shots and giving it up to teammates for shots. 

Ryan Keith, #4 Muth- the senior guard chipped in with 12 points but he continues to do all the “little things” that never show up on the stat sheet.  He was tough on the boards as well as playing solid defense. 

Troy Cruz, #11 Port- the point guard distributed the ball well to his wings and kept the Bearcat offense moving; defensively he hounded Redford every step of the court till help was needed.   

EJ Brooks, #50 Port- led the Bearcats with 23 points and his baskets got his team back in the game late in the third after Bridgeport fell behind.  Brooks put up 11 of his 23 points during that third quarter rally.