Bridgeport’s boys’ basketball team is 8-1 and have managed to win the first three games of the New Year. Most recently, the Indians upended Big 10 foes Grafton and North Marion for their fifth straight win.

 

If BHS Coach Mike Robey had his way, his team would have an additional win or lose in the column right now. Robey, like many, was disappointed weather played a factor in canceling the first of two regular season games between the Tribe and Robert C. Byrd on Saturday. The makeup game is this Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

 

“Those are things beyond my control,” said Robey. “We definitely wanted to play and I’m sure they did, too.”

 

Bridgeport is coming off of a 78-46 win against North Marion in Rachel Thursday. The Indians jumped out to an early lead and never looked back against the 4-5 Huskies.

 

“I was real pleased last night because the game before (a win against Grafton) I thought we lacked effort. We sat in the film room and gave that game a long, hard look and it was a rough film session,” said Robey. “After that and heading into the game with North Marion we had a good practice.

 

“They apparently got the message because I told them they have to constantly play with a sense of urgency and not just when you’re in a tight game,” he continued. “(Thursday), it may not have been our best game from a scoring standpoint, but it was our best pure effort and desire showing we’ve had all season.”

 

That proved to be bad news for NMHS.

 

Jake Bowen and Tanner Bifano’s one-two inside punch was more than the Huskies could handle. Bowen led the Indians with 21 points, while Bifano recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. John Ross Mazza also got into double figures with 11 points.

 

BHS led 23-16 after one quarter and by halftime the lead had grown to 45-28. The Tribe would steadily add to its advantage in the final two frames.

 

The win came on the heels of Tuesday’s victory against Grafton. The Tribe won that outing by an 80-58 score and once again saw Bowen lead the way.

 

The senior forward led four players in double figures with 22 points and added seven rebounds for good measure. Nick Stalnaker continued his solid play with 16 points and seven boards, while Mazza and Bifano had 15 and 12 points, respectively. Bifano’s total included four blocked shots.

 

Unlike the North Marion game, the Indians used a big third quarter to break open the contest. The Indians led by just six points, 37-31, at the intermission before outscoring the Bearcats by 14 points in the decisive eight minutes of the contest.

 

“We were blatantly lazy on defense in the first half and Grafton took advantage. We couldn’t’ stop penetration and that led to all kinds of problems. Lack of effort was the issue and that’s unacceptable,” said Robey. “We adjusted at the half, but our kids knew they were in a ball game. Fortunately, they played harder in the second half. Playing hard is something you should never have to remind your team to do, but we had to.

 

“I don’t’ care what anyone’s record is in the Big 10 when you play them because they’re capable of beating you,” Robey continued. “Hopefully our kids know that and realize that and the last six quarters have shown me that they may realize it. With this team, if we can get four quarters of effort then we’re going to be okay and compete.”

 

Bridgeport will be back in action tonight The Indians will visit Lewis County this evening and return home to host Philip Barbour Thursday. Both contests are set for 7:30 p.m.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Coach Mike Robey working to make a point with an official, while Tanner Bifano shows a power move that has made him a force this season for the Indians. Photos by Joey Signorelli of www.benqueenphotography.com.