Starting strong for the 2020-2021, basketball season did not seem to be a problem for the Breckenridge Buckaroos during the Friday, December 4 game against the Ranger Bulldogs.
From the start, the Buckaroos were in full control of the contest, jumping out to a 7-0 lead, before the Bulldogs scored their first point. The Bucks led 13-4 midway through the first quarter and used an array of players to pull away from the Ranger Bulldogs early in the first quarter.
“I thought we did well moving the ball around,” Brent Lucas, Breckenridge head basketball coach said. “We were spacing the floor and were able to look out and find open shots, driving to the basket, all the things we’ve been practicing. I’m proud because we were making steals, and getting run-outs on the other end. We can shoot the ball well enough and I want us to attack the rack. That’s our motto.”
The Buckaroos were leading 17-8 with under three minutes left in the first quarter, and a layup by #40 Jerry Lawson put the Bucks up 19-8. The rout was on as the Bucks begin to pour it on the Bulldogs imposing their will leading 25-8.
A three by #14 Jonas Arellano put the Bucks up 28-8 with a minute left in the first quarter. By the end of the first quarter, the Buckaroos led the contest 30-8. A quarter change didn’t stop the Buck’s offense. Breckenridge was clicking on all cylinders when a euro step by #13 Nathan Lechner put the Bucks up 36-9.
By halftime, the Breckenridge Buckaroos were in full control of the Ranger Bulldogs 45-14 with an entire half left to play.
Midway through the third quarter, the Bucks had a 53-16 lead. A three by #3 Jonas Arellano put the Bucks up 56-16 with under three minutes to play in the third quarter.
By the end of the third quarter, the Buckaroos lead stretched to 37 points, 57-20.
Offensively, Breckenridge’s offense was as good as advertised nailing open three-pointers and lay-ups. Defensively, the Bucks were able to leash the Bulldog’s offense and force a plethora of turnovers.
“It’s an interesting core of guys,” Lucas said. “It’s some big dudes who played football, but they work hard every practice. This team is competitive and they have good attitudes. I’ve never had a group like this, and I like how we are getting to learn from each other.”
The Bucks finished the contest with an 80-23 victory. The team will hope to bring the same level of play into the upcoming contests when the team travels to play the Cisco Loboes on Friday, December 11.
The Bucks will host the Clyde Eula Pirates in the final home game before the Christmas break.
