Bella Hastings knocks down a free throw during a dominant debut in her first action as a Lady Bronco.
The future of the Lady Bronco basketball program has been on the last two nights. And the future looks very bright.
The Boyd Middle School girls team started its 6-8 grade season with an empathic statement at home Friday, stampeding to a 49-13 victory over visiting Winchester Christian. It came a night after the youngest members of the team went to Manchester and won 35-14 in a workout against Coffee County’s sixth-grade squad.
Bella Hastings, a newcomer to the Boyd lineup, made an instant impact, scoring all 14 of her team-high points in the first half. Moni Harris and Rain Curtis added 10 points apiece as Boyd rolled out to a 32-5 lead by halftime and watched its youngest players wrap up a dominant opening night.
“Last night was a great way to kick off our preseason,” said coach Dara Johnson, noting how the team’s looking forward to making a push for a Warren County championship starting in late November. “The first game of the season can sometimes bring a lot of nerves, but our girls went out there with confidence and showed what they are capable of. I was especially proud of our post players and how well they worked together, running the floor, playing hard and creating opportunities for one another.”
Hastings and Harris were twin towers on offense for the Lady Broncos, taking turns owning the paint for Boyd. Hastings also showed off an impressive shooting touch, stepping out to hit a 3-pointer late the quarter and also sinking all three of her free throws - the late coming to finish an and-1 in the second quarter.
Harris, a seventh grader, was coming off an 18-point performance in Manchester the night before and didn’t slow down at home. She worked into perfect position on the block several times, either getting easy buckets in dump downs or putbacks as she owned the glass.
The team’s guards were just as solid. Curtis, an eighth grader, got to the basket and headlined the pressure early, then manufactured offense for the whole squad throughout the first three quarters.
Karsyn Bain and Hope Allen filled the wings, sometimes operated at point guard and eighth grader Kashlyn Garrett was one of the team’s super subs. Bain and Garrett each had two points.
“I loved seeing several girls step into positions they aren’t necessarily used to playing and embrace the challenge,” said Johnson. “They went out there, trusted the process, and did everything that was asked of them.”
In the second half, even some of the team’s elementary squad got into the action. Fifth grader Skylyn Wright, a star in the local 3-5 grade elementary league, drained a 3-pointer, while Juliette Ferguson continued to excel with five points and Oly Cathcart added a late layup.
Rounding out the scoring was Lesley Jernigan, who split a pair of free throws in the first half.
“After these first games, I am so proud of this group and excited about what lies ahead. We have a lot to build on, and I can’t wait to see what this team accomplishes together this season,” said Johnson.
The coach described Thursday’s road trip as an ‘exhibition’ for both squads as Boyd played only its sixth and seventh graders against Coffee’s sixth-grade team.
“With only two sixth graders on our roster, I was especially impressed with some of our girls who don’t always get a lot of playing time. Every girl stepped on the floor, did what was asked of her, and contributed to the team’s success. Even when Coffee County made a run, our girls stayed composed, weathered the storm, and finished strong,” said Johnson.
Boyd will continue its middle school season Tuesday with a home matchup with Van Buren County. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at JK Stanley Gymnasium. JV games will start at 4 p.m.
Boys fall at home
Winchester Christian was able to get a split Friday night as the Lions roared to a 43-22 victory over the Broncos.
Boyd was led by sixth-grade guard Ryder Reed, who finished with 10 points for the Broncos. Aiden Kesey added six points, followed by John Jordan with five points, including a late 3-pointer that got the crowd going. Denton Helton rounded out the scoring with a free throw.
Evan Tinsley (12 points) and Bryson Tinsley (11 points - three made triples) led the Lions on the road.
