As winter school sports programs begin to gear up and get some game time, head coaches and players are using this time to get in game shape, testing strategies and players as the regular season approaches in a few weeks. The Bruins and the Panthers matched up Monday night as head coach Korby Altman and his Gold Beach Panther varsity boys basketball team hosted head coach Brandon Hodges and the Bruins in a preseason match-up of Hwy. 101 rivals.
As would be expected in early preseason contests, teams and players tend to start slow as they run new offensive and defensive schemes, and find their places in the system. The first period of this contest was no exception, with both teams struggling to find a rhythm and the bottom of the basket. The Bruins established control under the basket early on, denying offensive rebounds and second shot opportunities allowing only 2 points the Panther offense in the first period. After establishing the inside, the Bruins put up 9 points from four different players to take a 2-9 lead after the first period of play.
With no answer for the Bruins 6′-7″ center, senior Brad Russell #55, Bruin Coach Brandon Hodges took advantage of the inside game in the second period and the Bruins overpowered the Panthers under the basket as Russell hit 5 baskets for 10 points in the period. However, the Panthers answered offensively, running off of missed shots and getting three Panthers in the scoring column led by junior guard Gianni Altman #5 who scored 7 points off of two baskets and a 3 pointer. Sophomore guard Jake Westerman #13 also hit for 6 points in the period after hitting two baskets and going 2 for 2 from the line. Both teams managed 16 points in the period, but the 7 point Bruin lead going into the second period proved to be the difference at the half, with the Bruins leading 18-25.
After the half-time break, the Panthers adjusted their defense to stop Russell’s inside game, double teaming him low, allowing him to kick it out to freshman guard Jaren Fronckowiak #4 who hit three baskets in the period for 6 points, as Russell hit 4 more baskets for 8 more points in the period. The Panther offense focused on junior guard Gianni Altman #5 who hit three baskets and a free throw while junior Panther forward Landon Miller #3 sunk a 3 pointer for all of the Panthers 10 points in the 3rd.
After putting up 22 points from four shooters in the third period, the Panthers sent three Bruin players to the free throw line 11 times, going 8 for 11 and putting up 18 points in the fourth period. The Panther offense continued to isolate Altman, who accounted for 18 of the Panthers 25 fourth quarter points off of 4 baskets, two 3 pointers and hitting 4 of 5 from the free throw line.
The Panthers junior guard Gianni Altman #5 led all scorers in the game hitting 10 baskets, three 3 pointers and 5 of 7 free throws for 34 points in the contest. For the Bruins, it was center big Brad Russell #55 who led the way, hitting 14 baskets and going 2 for 3 from the line for 30 points on the night.
Coach Hodges and the Bruins will not see action again until Thursday, December 30th, when they host the Phoenix Lady Pirates in another preseason match-up, while the Panthers will travel to Crescent City to take on the Del Norte Warriors Wednesday night, December 22nd.
