Hayden DeJong's driving layup and three consecutive defensive stops propelled Brookfield to a 51-50 victory against Winston in last night's varsity basketball tilt.
In a tightly contested game throughout, the Redbirds clinged to a two-point lead late in the final quarter. Hank Parks (13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists) drilled a long three to put the 'Dogs up, 49-48, with 3:00 remaining. The 'Birds managed an inside bucket a moment later, but DeJong (17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, block) answered with a drive down the right side of the lane off a screen by Kendrell Carter (2 points, 2 steals, rebound) at the top of the key, putting the Bulldogs back up top, 51-50.
The Redbirds next trip down the floor ended with a steal by Bryson Shoop (5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals), and the Bulldogs proceeded to milk the clock for the final 81 seconds. However, the 'Birds were given life with a turnover 45 seconds later, but the 'Dogs responded with a suffocating defense, forcing another steal - this time by Carter.
Forced to foul, the Redbirds put the Bulldogs at the charity stripe, where the gift was returned with two misses. But the 'Dogs again denied the 'Birds a shot in the final nine seconds, winning their fourth game in their last five contests.
John Walgren (7 rebounds, 4 steals, assist) scored nine points, while Ross Ehrich (rebound, assist, steal) added a trey, and Phoenix Jordan (5 rebounds) had two points.
The Bulldogs (6-8) welcome Palmyra tonight.
-Dennis Hughes
Category:Sports
Subcategory:Basketball
Subcategory Detail:High School
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