The Blackford Bruins Basketball program played host Saturday night vs the South Adams Starfires. Blackford entered the game riding a 3 game winning streak, defeating Rushville, North Knox and most recently winning Friday night vs Conference rival Madison Grant 53-48. The Starfires entered Saturday night 1-7 overall, playing their last game close to two weeks ago on December 22nd.
Blackford entered Saturday night's game knowing the long lay-off for South Adams could lead to some rust, and the Bruins looked to take full advantage starting the game in a full court press, sticking with pressure throughout the majority of the game. South Adams jumped out to an early 5-3 lead, before the Bruins turned it on, leading to a 21-0 run, taking control of the game with a 24-5 lead. Blackford's pressure led to several steals and Starfire turnovers. Junior guard Jacob Leas led the Bruins with a career high 7 steals (13 team steals) on the night, Leas has been one of the top thieves in the state so far this season. Blackford's ability to speed up the Starfires helped the Bruins engineer a strong run at the start of the game.
Blackford had several players chip in on their early 21-0 run, including multiple made 3-pointers from Gage Baker, and a 3-pointer and 3-point play (made 3 free-throws after fouled on 3-point attempt) play from Leas. The quick 12 points from Baker and Leas contributed to the 21-0 run. Blackford finished the game with 9 guys finding their way into the scorebook and 3 guys in double figures. The Bruins balanced attack so far this season has been impressive through the first 12 games, with 5 different players leading the team in scoring on various nights and still have yet to have a player score 20 points or more. Blackford exhibited excellent ball movement at various times throughout the game, tying a season high 18 assists. Kian Wells 6 assists and Ethan Morris's 5 assists led the Bruins on the evening.
The Bruins returned in the 3rd quarter and extended their lead to a commanding 35 plus point lead, making the remaining of the game a running clock. Blackford emptied their bench with about 5 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter. Congratulations to Reggie Duren, hitting his first varsity basket, draining a 3-pointer late in the game from the top of the floor. The Bruins finished off the Starfires 65 - 27, improving to 8-4 overall. Blackford will now look forward to playing on the road vs another Conference rival at Mississinewa next Friday night. Mississinewa is tied for a share of first place in the Conference at 2-0 and the Bruins are tied in 2nd at 2-1 overall. The Bruins will play the 2nd half of a girls/boys double header Friday evening at Mississinewa.
Varsity Game Stats:
Gage Baker - 19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block & three 3-pointers
Jake Leas - 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 7 steals, & two 3-pointers
Kian Wells - 10 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, & two 3-pointers
Mason Kitterman - 8 points, 4 rebounds, & one 3-pointer
Jacob Dillon - 4 points and 2 rebounds
Ethan Morris - 3 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal
Gavin Collett - 3 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 block
Reggie Duren - 3 points
Vince Oxley - 2 points and 2 rebounds (foul trouble for the entire night)
The Bruins Junior Varsity defeated the South Adams Starfires to improve to 6-5 overall on the year. Blackford jumped out to a 20-2 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. The Bruins will now return Thursday evening at Mississinewa, playing the first game of the boys/girls JV double header!
JV Game Stats:
Reggie Duren - 13 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
Mason McFeely - 13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
Kentral Toomer - 10 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals
Jacob Dillon - 6 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 2 steals (in 2.5 quarters!)
Elijah Morgan - 3 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
Ryan Gorrell - 2 points, 4 rebounds
Jacob Barry - 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Jayveon McPhaul - 2 rebounds
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