For the first time this season, Bridgeport’s boys’ basketball team was riding a winning streak. Although it was a modest one of a two-game variety, it was something Indians’ Coach Mike Robey was likely hoping his team could build off of.

 

All of that went out the window Tuesday evening.

 

The Tribe, after getting back to back wins against Nicholas County and Bishop Donahue away from their home court, went on the road and got blitzed by a 77-57 score against Lewis County.

 

The loss dropped Bridgeport back to .500 at 5-5. The Indians did manage to crack the top 20 in this week's Class AA rankings in the MetroNews Power Ratings. Details on that at the end of the story.

 

Bridgeport found itself down 22-15 after one period, but were still in the game. That all changed by the time halftime rolled around and the visitors from Harrison County found themselves in a 41-24 hole and it was hole they could never dig themselves out of.

 

Brayden Lesher, who has been solid in recent games, led the way in the setback with 17 points. Dylan Purcell added 12.

 

The setback put a damper on the two-game run by BHS. On Monday, the Indians faced off against a state-ranked Class A Bishop Donahue squad and pretty much had their way with them after the first half in a 77-62 victory. The game was played at the Fairmont Senior Fieldhouse as part of the Martin Luther King Shootout that featured games throughout the day with teams from across the state.

 

Bridgeport led 16-15 after one period and were ahead 37-29 at the break.

 

A dominant third period where the Indians outscored the Bishops 22-10 put the game in the bag as BHS went into the final eight minutes up 59-39 and were never seriously threatened.

 

Lesher again had the hot hand for Bridgeport with 26 points. He had plenty of help offensively as Purcell finished with 16, Harris added 11 and Tyler Hardesty finished with 10 points.

 

On Saturday, the Indians were part of a four-game affair at Nicholas County. The girls’ jayvee and varsity started the day off in Summersville, while the boys’ junior varsity and varsity capped the day. Bridgeport’s boys won against the Grizzlies by an 85-72 score.

 

Coach Mike Robey could not be reached for comment.

 

BHS is back in action this evening. The Indians face Class AA top 10 Philip Barbour on their home floor. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

 

Bridgeport's two wins did help move it into the No. 18 spot in Class AA and No. 48 overall. Bluefield is No. 1 in 'AA' with Poca at No. 2. The rest of the top five consists of teams from the Big 10 with Fairmont Senior at No. 3, North Marion at No. 4 and East Fairmont at No. 5 

 

The Colts are also ranked. PBHS, which is 7-2, are ranked No. 6 in Class AA. 

 

University, a team that beat BHS at home already this season, is the overall No. 1 and the top Class AAA team.

 

For the complete MetroNews rankings, click HERE. The poll ranks all 124 teams in the state.

 

Editor's Note: Photos by Matthew S. DeMaria of www.benqueenphotography.com.