Irving College has developed a reputation for getting the job done without needing one player to dominate the scoring column. Tuesday's 30-11 victory over Boyd was another example of that formula.
The Tigers relentlessly attacked on defense, patiently waiting for their offense to find its rhythm before pulling away from the Broncos.
Boyd made things interesting early. Jax Burger and Heath Judkins helped the Broncos stay within striking distance, with Irving College holding just a 4-3 lead after the first quarter and a 9-7 advantage at halftime.
The second half was a different story.
Irving College outscored Boyd 9-0 in the third quarter and 12-4 in the fourth, turning a two-point halftime lead into a comfortable 19-point victory.
Ryan Yates led the Tigers with seven points, all coming after halftime. True Lusk added five, while brothers Gunnar and Gannon Powers scored four apiece.
The Powers brothers made their presence felt throughout the game, helping Irving College maintain its defensive intensity and create opportunities offensively. The Tigers also showed off their depth while playing without Tucker Fann, a spark plug throughout the season who was sidelined in a walking boot.
Archer Pack, Jeffrey Platman, Tucker Crestman, Nathaneel Johnson and Weston Walker each contributed two points, giving Irving College nine different scorers.
Judkins led Boyd with four points, while Burger added three. Judson Smith and Sailor Curtis scored two apiece.
The Broncos did enough defensively to keep the game close for a half, but they couldn't withstand Irving College's pressure once the Tigers started finding the bottom of the net.
At Eastside, Bobby Ray didn't waste any time taking control Tuesday night. Jayden Terry made sure of it.
Terry erupted for 12 first-quarter points as the Stars raced to a 14-0 lead at Eastside, setting the tone for a 28-13 victory that gave Bobby Ray its first win of the season.
The Stars had struggled to find offensive consistency throughout the year, but Terry had no such problems against the Bulldogs. He scored 17 of his game-high 19 points before halftime, helping Bobby Ray build a commanding 22-4 advantage.
Bobby Ray continued to control the action in the third quarter, stretching its lead to 28-6 before Eastside closed the game with seven unanswered points.
Adam Anderson added five points for the Stars, while Sawyer Pearson scored two. Jace Farley and River Green finished with one apiece.
Marcus Martin and Kaden Tate led Eastside with four points each, while Cain Rodriguez added three and Noah Torres scored two.
For Bobby Ray, the victory was a breakthrough performance. The Stars had endured a difficult start to the season, but Terry's explosive first half gave them something to celebrate on the road.
Elementary basketball action continues Thursday, Nov. 5, with Dibrell at West, Hickory Creek at Centertown and Irving College at Morrison. All three games are scheduled for 6 p.m.
Boys elementary basketball box scores
Bobby Ray 28
Eastside 13
Star scoring - Jayden Terry 19, Adam Anderson 5, Sawyer Pearson 2, Jace Farley 1, River Green 1
Bulldog scoring - Marcus Martin 4, Kaden Tate 4, Cain Rodriguez 3, Noah Torres 2
Irving College 30
Boyd 11
Tiger scoring - Ryan Yates 7, True Lusk 5, Gunnar Powers 4, Gannon Powers 4, Archer Pack 2, Jeffrey Platman 2, Tucker Crestman 2, Nathaneel Johnson 2, Weston Walker 2
Bronco scoring - Heath Judkins 4, Jax Burger 3, Judson Smith 2, Sailor Curtis 2
