BonnerSprings.com

The Bonner Springs boys basketball team was back at its running and gunning ways Thursday against Valley Center in the first round of the Metro Prep Classic.

Unfortunately for the Braves, Valley Center was able to match them and the Hornets held on for an 85-72 victory.

Seven different Braves scored during a frantic first quarter as BSHS coach Ryan Hull subbed players constantly in waves of four or five. The Hornets held their own, however, and led 22-17 at the end of the quarter.

The teams traded baskets for most of the second quarter and the game remained tight. Kyle Day buried a 3-pointer and hit all four of his free throws in the quarter to help the Braves draw within 42-39 at halftime.

The Braves went cold from the field during the third quarter, and the Hornets opened up a 65-53 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Valley Center maintained its 12-point lead for the first four minutes of the fourth quarter. Then the Hornets got sloppy with the ball and the Braves caught fire. Stevie Williams had a steal and layup to pull BSHS within 73-63 with four minutes to go. Moments later, Jourdaine Smallwood buried a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 73-66. The teams traded layups, and then Austin Laing scored to draw the Braves within 75-70 with 2:57 to go. That was as close as they would get.

Valley Center closed the game on a 10-2 run and claimed the victory.

Day and Williams led BSHS with 12 points apiece, Smallwood scored 11 and Laing added 10.

Bonner Springs (0-2) next plays at 4:45 p.m. Friday against Shawnee Heights in the consolation semifinals.

FIRST ROUND RESULTS:

Bishop Miege def. Atchison, forfeit

Topeka Seaman def. Lansing

Free State 60, Shawnee Heights 47

Valley Center 85, Bonner Springs 72

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