Bobcats advance to district finals

Published 9:51 am Friday, March 8, 2019

BRIDGMAN — It is just business as usual for the Brandywine girls basketball team to at least earn their way to the district title game.

Wednesday night was no exception as the Bobcats (20-2) used their suffocating defense and balanced scoring to earn a lopsided 55-25 victory over Hartford.

Brandywine used a 12-0 run in the first half and 10-0 run early in the second half to knock the wind out of whatever chance Hartford (11-10) had to keep the game close.

The Bobcats held Hartford’s 6-foot-2 senior Kelsey Chambers to only six points. Both baskets came from beyond the arch.

Brandywine forced 22 turnovers and out-rebounded Hartford 37-31, which included 15 offensive rebounds. 

“Now that’s what I call 32 minutes of chaos out there,” said Brandywine coach Josh Hood. “It was a physical game and the refs let us play. We distributed the ball extremely well again tonight. Our much smaller line-up did a great job executing the game plan to their much bigger players to keep them uncomfortable in the paint, forcing them to take a lot of three point shots.”

Brandywine was led by junior Zakiyyah Abdullah with 13 points, while senior Nicole Sachman added 10 points.

Hartford’s junior Megan Nelson scored a game high 16 points.

“We will enjoy this win tonight and then tomorrow we’re back in the gym ready to work and prepare for Friday night,” Hood said.

Brandywine will play for its 10th district title in the last 11 years Friday night against host Bridgman. Tip off scheduled for 7 p.m.