Bethany vs. Weatherford: Who Stood Out?

Bethany traveled to Weatherford on Tuesday in a top-tier matchup in Class 4A. The Bronchos entered the evening on an eight-game winning streak and ranked #11. While the Eagles had won three in a row and sported the #6 ranking in the class.   This one was back and forth in the first half with Bethany taking a one-point lead into the break. Both teams played physically, displaying some solid defense. The theme of the second half was the execution of the Weatherford offense. The deliberate style finally began to break down the Bronchos' defense.   Final:   Weatherford 46   Bethany 31   Weatherford (21-2)   Top Performers:   Cooper Bryant | Guard/Forward   Bryan converted seven shots in the paint throughout the evening. He was the beneficiary of some great passing but also showed an ability to find the open space and cut behind the defense. His post game was working as well, with two back to the basket finishes after backing down Bethany defenders. The play that epitomized the evening for the Eagles was a methodical 45-second possession that was finished off with a lob to Bryan in which he converted to stretch the lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Weatherford had multiple possessions in which they scored that were just shy of a minute in length. The junior also worked hard on the glass, grabbing two offensive rebounds that ended up leading to buckets for his team.   Hunter Nelson | Guard/Forward   Nelson hit a 3-pointer early to help get things rolling after a slow start for his team. The senior took advantage of mismatches in the second half and drove baseline past Brady to boost the lead to four points late in the third quarter. The Eagles feature a long list of players that can dribble and pass well. They play under control as a team and do a fantastic job of picking their spots. At 6'3”, look for Nelson to continue to be a tough matchup for opponents as Weatherford looks for a deep state tournament run.   [player_tooltip player_id='2335385' first='Jackson' last='Smith'] | Guard   Another player that handled the ball well while also showcasing his versatility as a scorer. He created separation for a mid-range jump shot and showed his athleticism by elevating over the defender. Smith also moved well without the ball and back cut his defender for another strong finish inside. As a team, the Eagles took care of the ball and executed their offense at a high rate.   Bethany (17-5)   Top Performers:   [player_tooltip player_id='2884497' first='Denton' last='Jaggers'] | Guard   Jaggers was the most consistent player for his team throughout the game. He finished with 11 points and was the leading scorer for the Bronchos. The senior showed up on both ends with his rebounding and defense as well. Jaggers used his athleticism to drive to the rim on multiple occasions, as well as finishing off a steal in transition to keep his team in the game early in the fourth quarter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2408658' first='Breck' last='Brady'] | Forward   Brady showed flashes of dominance inside. The sophomore provided a spark before half scoring five straight points to give Bethany a one-point lead at the break. When Brady was able to catch it cleanly and turn quickly inside, he finished his opportunities and showed good strength. The problem for the Bronchos was the inconsistent post entries and turnovers.   Sam Greiner | Guard   The senior may not have been the leading scorer, but his impact was felt by everyone in the building. Greiner was very active on the defensive end, deflecting passes and cutting ball handlers. Sam hit a 3-pointer in the second half and provided good court vision with strong passes that hit teammates in stride. If he can continue to elevate his play, look for Bethany to benefit from the many ways that he can put his imprint on games. His greatest strength is his effort and intensity.   Rhett Brobston | Guard   The sophomore has been shooting the ball well from deep coming in. Brobston showed complimentary basketball on the defensive end against the Eagles. If he can continue to tie defense with shooting moving forward, the Bronchos will have a chance to reach their ceiling in the postseason. Rhett set the tone early with a steal, block and deflection all coming in the first quarter. His defensive intensity ignited his teammates, and the quarter closed in just a 9–9 deadlock.   Moving Forward:   Weatherford @ Blanchard, Friday, 8:00 PM   Weatherford @ Clinton, Tuesday, 8:00 PM   Bethany vs. Clinton, Thursday, 8:00 PM   Bethany @ Ardmore, Friday, 8:00 PM

Bethany traveled to Weatherford on Tuesday in a top-tier matchup in Class 4A. The Bronchos entered the evening on an eight-game winning streak and ranked #11. While the Eagles had won three in a row and sported the #6 ranking in the class.