As Bridgeport enters the second half of the season, they’re also entering what could be argued is the most difficult part of the schedule. Recently, the Indians played a pair of Class AA teams that have impressive records and walked away with mixed results.

 

The first result was an impressive one. The Tribe went on the road last Friday and picked up an 83-70 win against state-ranked Philip Barbour.

 

On Wednesday, however, the Tribe didn’t have things go their way. A game that was tied late, ended up going into the win column for East Fairmont by a 69-64 score.

 

In the win against the Colts, Bridgeport used a strong second and third quarter to take the lead and did not relinquish it.

 

Bridgeport led 21-19 at the end of one quarter, but used a strong second frame give itself some breathing room. By halftime, BHS led 45-35. And after three, the Tribe had things well in their favor with a 67-49 advantage.

 

In this game, the Tribe’s depth proved to be too much. The Indians used a 10-man rotation and it produced dividends.

 

Brayden Lesher led the way with 23 points for the winners. Tanner Bifano added 16, while Blake Bowers added 10. Jake Bowen and Tyler Hardesty both just missed double figures with eight points each. Bowen also added 10 rebounds.

 

“I was pleased with our effort from everyone that started to everyone that came off the bench. Defensively we rotated and were on the same page and communicated very well and the defense set the tone that night,” said Bridgeport Coach Mike Robey. “Actually, we were communicating on both ends of the floor and that made everyone’s job easier. I’d have to say that was one of the best efforts from start to finish of the year; maybe the best.”

 

While effort was there Wednesday, things didn’t go the way of the Tribe.  Despite coming back from an 11-point halftime deficit to tie the game in the fourth quarter, the Bees would escape Bridgeport with the win.

 

BJS tied the game at 63 with 1:30 remaining to be played. Bowen did the honors with a conventional three-point play that made it appear as if Bridgeport may pull out the win.

 

Unfortunately, the Tribe’s defense failed them late and turnovers on the offensive end proved costly in the loss that dropped the Tribe to 9-3 on the year. East Fairmont moved to 10-3.

 

“I was proud of how we came back, tied it and even had possession with the ball tied up for about three seconds before we turned it over,” said Robey. “It came down to late decision making and we had critical turnovers on offense and mental breakdowns late on defense that let them get to the rim late and take the lead for good.”

 

Bridgeport led 17-16 after one period, but had a disastrous second quarter to put itself in a hole. The Tribe scored just six points and East Side found itself with a 34-23 lead at the break.

 

“We couldn’t finish around the rim. I don’t’ know why, but that’s what happened,” said Robey. “In the second quarter we shot 0 percent from inside of five feet; I think we were something like 0-for-9. We’re not a good enough team to go through lapses like that and win against anybody on our schedule.”

 

Even with a terrible eight minutes, Bridgeport didn’t throw in the towel. Instead, BHS would whittle into the advantage and were down just 49-44 going into the game’s final quarter where they came up short after coming all the way back.

 

Bifano had a big numbers in the outing for the Indians. He finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Lesher was the only other double figure scorer with 10, while John Mazza just missed with nine points in the contest.

 

Bridgeport is back in action Friday. The Tribe will make the trip to Randolph County for a 7:30 p.m. tip with Elkins. The team returns home Monday against Lewis County for a 7:30 p.m. contest.

 

Also on Thursday, the third week of the MetroNews power ratings were released. Bridgeport was No. 5 in Class AA and were ranked No. 13 overall. However the rankings were based on the Indians having a 9-2 mark as opposed to being 9-3 after the setback to East Fairmont. Fairmont Senior remains No. 1 in Class AA , while Parkersburg South is the overall No. 1 in the state. Click HERE to see the complete rankings.

 

Editor's Note: Photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.