In RBHS’ first match against Blue Springs South (BSS) of the season, the Bruins started the night out with multiple fouls but were able to pull through with a one point lead at 57-56.
The beginning of the first quarter look promising for the Bruins with a lead of 7-2, however, BSS quickly caught up by the end of the quarter with an four point advance.
Of the Bruins’ pivotal moments that allowed a win for RBHS in a close game was senior guard Justin Hajicek’s last second dunk at the buzzer, leaving the Bruins at 27-23 at halftime. He said it was the team’s strong defensive plays and rebounds that made the outcome possible.
“We started off slow. I think we were playing a little tight. For that reason, the first game is always the toughest, but we were able to pull it out in the end. [Sophomore] Dajuan [Harris] hit a clutch free though to put us ahead. Ultimately, our defense and rebounding won the game for us.”
In the third quarter, BSS advanced with a 12 point lead. The Bruins pulled ahead by the end of the quarter with the help of sophomore Isiaih Mosley and Harris’ defensive moves, leaving BSS trailing behind at 49-38.
With 1:01 left to play in the fourth quarter, the Bruins and BSS were tied at 56-56. The final free throw from Harris finished the Bruins at 57-56, a victory head coach Jim Scanlon said was well deserved.
“It was just when we had some foul trouble [that things picked up. We’ve] got to give [BSS] the credit, they won the last two districts. Nobody had beat them yet [and] we finally did,” Scanlon said. “It was a good game, [but] this was the toughest game. The next one you just play, but this one was by far the toughest game. It’s a different feeling out here, but our guys played better.”
The win means the team will advance to the district tournament; for Hajicek, meaning the chance for the Bruins to fulfill an ambitious season finale.
“We got the win tonight, and now we have an opportunity to win a district championship on Saturday afternoon,” Hajicek said. “It’s been our goal since the season started to win the district. Tonight’s win just brings us one step closer.”