Skip to content

WATCH: Ponoka Broncs boys win basketball play downs

The team heads to Wetaskiwin Wednesday night for the one-and-done playoffs

Winning in the one-and-done play downs was much needed for the Broncs senior basketball teams.

Playing at home Monday night the boys took on the Stettler Wildcats with the home crowd cheering them on to win. At the outset of the game, it was clear the Broncs were going to dominate.

A three pointer for the Broncs to start off the game gave an indication of how things were going to roll out for the home team. From there things continued and by the end of the first quarter the Broncs had a strong lead.

Coach Scott Brown said the second quarter belonged to the Wildcats. However, at the half the score was 32-17 in favour of the Broncs.

It didn’t look like they were going to be stopped anytime soon. “We started out strong,” said Brown.

Coming into the third quarter Stettler gained some energy and played a smarter defensive play, earning the team valuable turnovers. Where the game went in favour of the Broncs was the team’s ability to keep it’s energy and ensure they caught the rebounds.

Brown said mental mistakes and low energy in third periods have been issues in the past, but not in this game.

He was pleased with the strong rebounds and layups inside the key during the game.

The boys ended up winning 65-48.

Winning at play downs was the first step; the Broncs play against the Wetaskiwin Sabres Wednesday night. Brown says the Sabres are ranked seventh in the province. It’s going to be a tough game but he’s going in there with a positive focus.

Senior girls

For the senior girls Broncs the one-and-done game against the West Central Rebels proved too much of a challenge.

The Broncs ended up losing 52-38, a tough break for the team seeing as it was their last home game and the season is over.

Perhaps even more frustrating for the girls was that it was the Rebels the Broncs defeated in double overtime recently.

“I had the thought, or the hope, that it was going to be a win,” said Horan.

He said a few bad bounces here and there ended up hurting the team’s overall chances, something the team has struggled with all season.

After the game Horan spoke with the team and encouraged the players to get in on a summer or spring program and get their practices in for the next season. There is is only one senior player on the team, which means there is a strong core of players for net season.

10804926_web1_180307-PON-broncs-bball-playdowns_2
One their way to a play downs win against Stettler Monday night Broncs’ Mathias Sandin goes for the defensive play to ensure the Broncs win. The team’s 65-48 win against Stettler sets the team up for playoffs in Wetaskiwin Wednesday night. Photos by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
10804926_web1_180307-PON-broncs-bball-playdowns_7
Broncs’ Michael Bloomquist takes heavy pressure in the key forcing a foul.
10804926_web1_180307-PON-broncs-bball-playdowns_9
Using his vertical to gain two points, Broncs’ Evret Fillinger gives it his all to score.
10804926_web1_180307-PON-broncs-bball-playdowns_8
Broncs’ Erik Mathieu grimaces as he looks for an opening for a layup.
10804926_web1_180307-PON-broncs-bball-playdowns_4
Using his reach, Broncs’ Andrew Barnes goes for two at the net Monday night. The 65-48 win against Stettler earned the Broncs a playoffs game against Wetaskiwin Wednesday night.