Broncos’ rally falls just short

Trailing by double digits with just six minutes to play, Boyd’s junior high boys clawed their way back into Thursday night’s game against DeKalb West, only to fall just short, losing 44-41.

The Bulldogs held a 34-22 lead after three quarters, having out-scored the Broncos 14-3 in the game’s third period. And a quick basket from DeKalb’s Justin Bragg made it a 14-point lead.

But the Broncos refused to give up, and began working their transition game and chipping away at the scoreboard deficit. Alex Higgins and Dylan Fernandez scored back-to-back buckets, and with 3:31 to play David Cross connected to cut the DWMS lead to single digits at 39-30.

Fernandez, who posted eight of his team-high 11 points in the fourth quarter, used his speed to his advantage, dropping back into the backcourt and scoring three straight buckets after Bronco defensive rebounds. His third, at the 2:37 mark of the fourth quarter, pulled the Broncos within a possession at 39-36.

But unfortunately for the Broncos, and the fans who had turned up for eighth-grade recognition night ceremonies which honored players Fernandez, Zach Arnold and Lucas Hartman, Boyd could get no closer. Cody Fish added three free throws down the stretch to keep the Broncos at bay, and Ethan Hale scored with 1:27 to play to put his team up 44-38. Boyd got a late bucket from Austin Higgins and a free throw from Logan Walker, but time ran out on their comeback attempt and the Bulldogs escaped with the win.

Fish finished with 17 to lead the way for DeKalb, which got eight points from Justin France and seven from Hale. Justin Bragg and Jacob Wagner had four each, while Tony Schellingburger and Tyler Kent had two apiece.

The Broncos were led by Fernandez’s 11 points, while Walker had nine and both Austin Higgins and Hartman had six points. Alex Higgins added four, Nick Tilton scored three, and Cross had two points.