Friday evening the Cambridge Trojans played host to the Wauneta-Palisade Broncos for a girls and boys double-header. Cambridge came away victorious in both matchups.
In the girl's game, it was a fight until the end, but Cambridge prevailed, 39-34. The Broncos dominated the first period. They played physical and shot the ball well in the opening quarter leading 15-7. From there, the Bronco's shooting woes began.
In the second quarter, Cambridge was able to match the physical play that Wauneta-Palisade came out with in the beginning. Cambridge cut the deficit in half and trailed going into the intermission, 19-15.
The third quarter was dominated by Mallory Springer for Cambridge. She had 10 points in the period, including a pair of three-pointers. The teams traded the lead back and forth. We went to the final period with a tight ball game, 27-26, Cambridge leading.
In the fourth quarter, it remained a see-saw type of game. Cambridge clung to a three-point lead late in the game and every time it looked like they were going to pull away, the Broncos would fight back. A crucial point in the game was in the final minutes, Peyton Cox fouled out for the Broncos.
Cambridge though had a run-out layup in the final seconds by Aspen Webb to seal the game.
The Broncos played hard, but sometimes the shots just don't fall. I firmly believe their best basketball is ahead of them. Their young players are getting more comfortable and they play really hard.
Wauneta-Palisade was led by GraCee Goings with 14 points. Peyton Cox had a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds. We were notified Cox now has 1,000 career rebounds and on Thursday evening she surpassed the 1,000 career point mark. What a career so far she has had.
Cambridge looked solid, even with the troubles shooting the ball. They have solid size and found a way to handle the first-quarter adversity. This matchup featured a pair of teams that could be playing on Saturday of the RPAC Tournament. Mallory Springer had 16 points and Brylyn Springer put in 10.
We caught up with Cambridge Head Coach, Kalyn Hollander after the win, her comments can be viewed below.
Cambridge is now 2-0, Wauneta-Palisade is 1-1.
In the boy's game, it was all Trojans, taking down the Broncos 64-30. In the opening period, Cambridge came out on fire as they hit a couple of triples. They led 16-6 after the first eight minutes. In the second quarter, the Cambridge pressed forward, opening the game up even more, 34-13. Wauneta-Palisade was getting some solid looks, rebounded well, but couldn't keep up with Cambridge.
In the third quarter, The Broncos struggled to slow down the Trojans and get their offense going and found themselves down 50-19 heading to the fourth quarter. In the final quarter, Wauneta-Palisade did get the offense going a little bit, scoring 11 points, but Cambridge again was able to put up 14 points to close the game.
For the Broncos, as mentioned, they played hard. They attacked the rim and the boards. If they can do that all season, some shots will start to fall.
Asthon Wheeler had 16 points and Aden Acton had seven to lead the Broncos.
For Cambridge, their guard play will be pivotal this season. They have some nice pieces too, but that guard play will have pressure on it all season to produce. And with a big body in the middle like Brohedy Wood, the Trojans could cause opponents a lot of fits.
Wood led the scoring for Cambridge with 14 points, Brady Ahlemeyer had 13, and Carson Trompke added 12.
We caught up with sophomore guard Brady Ahlemeyer after the game. Check out his comments in the video.
Cambridge is now 2-0 and Wauneta Palisade is 0-2.