Two teams. Opposite directions.
After opening the season with nine straight wins and rising as high as 5th in Class C1 state rankings, the Battle Creek Braves have hit a recent skid, losing four of their last six games.
The most recent team to add to the Braves’ woes was Boone Central Friday night at Battle Creek.
The streaking Cardinals used an explosive first quarter to gain the early advantage, then rode a swarming defense that curtailed 6-foot-8 Battle Creek star Robert Barry to a 46-35 Mid-State Conference victory, extending Boone Central’s current winning streak to six games.
The win boosted Boone Central’s overall record to 8-5 and improved its conference mark to 5-2 going into this week’s Mid-State tournament at Norfolk.
“This was a good win against a good team,” acknowledged first-year Cardinal Coach Dan Zoucha. “This is the type of effort we will need from everyone as we enter the final part of the season.”
“We rebounded well in this game and played very good defense,” praised Zoucha. “We held Battle Creek to a very low shooting percentage and kept them off the offensive glass.
“While our shooting percentage was not what we hoped for, the kids did a good job managing the game, especially in the fourth quarter. We went to the foul line with confidence – something we will have to do during the conference tournament.”
Ryan Shotkoski led scoring with 19 points. Kalvin Zoucha added 14 and Julian Kunzman 10. Zoucha ripped down 12 rebounds and Dusty Dozler made six steals for the Cards.
Complete Details in Print Edition of Albion News.
