Head coach Brandon Hodges and his 2023 Bruin boys basketball team were looking to ride the momentum of last Friday’s win over Rogue River hosting the 2-2 Coquille Red Devils Wednesday evening.
In the first period, both teams came out running. The Bruins senior point guard, Josh Serna, #32 led the way hitting three baskets and going 2 for 2 from the free throw line to lead all scorers in the opening period with 8 points. However, the Red Devils spread their scoring out over four players with both teams working to an early 12-12 tie.
As the second period unfolded, the Coquille defense made the Bruins work for every point allowing only two Bruin players on the scoreboard in the period as the Bruin boys struggled to keep pace trailing 18-21 mid way through the period. The Red Devils used position under the Bruin basket to out rebound the Bruins and fast break putting four players in the scoring column to stretch their 3 point lead at the midway point to a 10 point lead after a series of Bruin miscues on the offensive end leading to a 19-29 Coquille lead at the half.
The Bruins came out determined claw their way back into the lead again behind Serna who again led all scorers in the period with 9 points hitting three baskets and going 3 for 3 from the free throw line. But the Red Devils matched the Bruins basket for basket as they had six players score in the period, ultimately extending their 10 point half time lead to 11, taking a 41-52 lead into the fourth period.
As the fourth period played out, the intensity increased as the Red Devils were determined to shut down Serna and make another Bruin beat them as coach Hodges sent his point guard into the paint forcing Coquille to foul. However, the Red Devils continued to take advantage of Brookings turnovers, scoring 10 points in the period to hold on take the 48-62 win.
The Bruin boys will be on the road this Friday evening, traveling to Winston to take on the 4-1 Douglas Trojans at 7:00pm, who will be coming off of a 7 point win over St. Mary’s.
