by Brian Turrel
The Bonner Springs Braves lost a close game late 73-70 to the Shawnee Heights Thunderbirds Tuesday evening in Bonner Springs. The Braves turned around an early deficit and led for most of the contest before falling to a late run by the visitors.
The Braves got back on course after an early 9-4 deficit. Head coach Dan Streit called a timeout just three minutes into the game to steady the team, which responded with a comeback run capped by a three-point basket from Kalen Streit that put the home team on top 17-16.
The teams traded leads through the remainder of the half. Bonner Springs had trouble stopping Shawnee Heights senior Nate Pewe. In the first quarter, Pewe was fouled on three made baskets and converted all three free throws.
Bonner Springs countered with inside scoring from Jayce Smith and Jayden Young to keep the game close. A drive from Trent Stimac edged the Braves in front 44-43 at the half.
The Braves held the lead for most of the second half, getting out briefly to a 6-point margin midway through the third quarter. Smith wore a path to the basket along the right baseline, picking up 6 points in the quarter. Cameron Doss hit his third three-pointer of the game to help give Bonner Springs a 60-57 lead going into the final quarter.
The Braves’ troubles at the foul line and an untimely turnover in the fourth quarter gave the Thunderbirds the opportunity to take back the lead with less than a minute left in the game.
Down by 3 with ten seconds remaining, Bonner Springs ran a well-executed play to get a game-tying shot, but it bounced off the far rim, ending the game.
Smith led the Braves in scoring with 15 points. Doss and Tavian Cruse each contributed 13, and Young scored 12. Pewe ended the game with 32 points for the Thunderbirds.
The loss drops Bonner Springs to 3-3 for the season. They will face off at home against the Paola Panthers, starting at 7:30 p.m.
