By Bill Nestor
Revenge is a major motivation in sports and Bridgeport’s boys’ basketball team got it on the biggest stage possible, defeating Nitro 62 to 40 to claim the Class AAA title. Nitro beat the Indians in the fourth game of the season in what would be the lone loss of the season for the tribe.
It is a rarity at the State Tournament for a team to play a familiar foe in three consecutive outings. Here is a look back at Bridgeport’s battles, starting with teh Tournament opener against Elkins. The Tribe hosted the Tigers on Feb 6 and sent Elkins home with a 13-point loss.
This past Tuesday, the Indians started slow, but managed a nine to four lead after the first eight minutes of play. Bridgeport would heat up in the second quarter of play, netting 17 points to push their lead to 26 to 12 at the break.
Veteran mentor Dave Marshall hangs his hat on his squad’s defensive effort and that was no exception in this lock-up as the Indians held the Tigers to single digit scoring in each of the first three periods. The Tribe would run away with this one, scoring 16 points off Elkins turnovers en route to a 55 to 32 win.
The Indians received major contributions from four players. Phoenix Sickles had game highs in points (20) and rebounds (10). Anderson McDougal netted 13 points, dished out three assists, and pulled down three rebounds. Landon Sandersscored 11 points and handed out a game high four assists. Jack Spatafore chipped in with eight points and three assists.
The victory would set up a third matchup of the season with Fairmont Senior. The Polar bears survived a nail-biter with Chapmanville 47 to 46 on Tuesday. Bridgeport would set the tone for the campaign with a 53 to 35 win over Fairmont Senior in the second game of the season. It was a significant confidence building win because the Tribe had not had much success against the Marion County team in the last several years.
In addition, the Indians were nowhere near full strength after coming off of a football state championship and several key players did not have their basketball legs at that time.
The second win was the last game of the regular season and the 18 point differential left no doubt as to which team was the better regular season squad.
However, it is difficult to beat a team three times in a season and Fairmont Senior isn’t used to getting swept by anyone. Both teams had two days to prepare and Bridgeport’s defense was razor sharp, allowing just eight points in the second and third quarters combined. The Tribe controlled the glass with a 46 to 21 rebounding advantage that helped them to a 46 to 30 victory.
McDougal had 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Sanders scored 11 points, Carter Zulani chipped in with eight points and a game-high 15 caroms.
The Indians wasted little time establishing a double-digit lead (17 to six) heading into the second quarter. The Tribe would grow that lead to 19 points heading into the third period of play. Nitro didn’t stand much of a chance as Bridgeport dominated play in the paint, holding a 39 to 15 advantage on the glass.
Zuliani recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 boards. Spatafore netted a dozen points. Sanders hit for 10 points. Sickles added nine points and seven rebounds.
Sanders, Zuliani, McDougal, and Sickles all made the all-tournament team and Sickles was named the MVP. the Indians concluded the campaign with a 26 and one mark and look for the hat trick with baseball on the horizon.
That will do it for now! Until next time . . . take care and God Bless!!!
