The Jackson Broncs achieved a couple milestones over the weekend on the hardwood. The boys won their third straight—they haven’t done that since the 2016-17 season—and they scored 82 points in a game—their highest offensive output in 13 years.
Jackson 82, Pinedale 51
Pinedale figured to be a favorable matchup for Jackson as the Wranglers came into Friday night’s game winless in 11 tries. The Broncs jumped all over the Green Machine, making ample use of Andrew Hanna’s size advantage inside.
Hanna finished with 22 on the night, but it was fellow sophomore Seb Brunner who electrified the raucous crowd with his money three on the way to 26 points to lead all scorers.
Carson Harland and Isaac Larsen continue to improve on the backend. The capable guards are slick ballhandlers, dish well, and will shoot the trey if you leave it for them. Harland finished with 8, Larsen added a bucket.
Positive carryover from last week’s win over Lander Valley was Jackson’s lockdown halfcourt defense and care with the basketball.
Jackson 63, Lander Valley 46
Saturday’s quick turnaround game with Lander Valley was another exercise in playing a complete game. A team that has struggled previously with putting in the full 32 minutes of work on the court, appeared to get stronger as the game progressed.
Despite a game Tiger team led by seniors Brenon Stauffenberg and Tisso Guina, the Broncs were able to create some separation by halftime.
Perhaps even more impressive was the way the Broncs handled a Tiger pushback. The 3rd period was a nightmare for Jackson but they did not panic. Coach Hayden Hatfield purposely resisted calling a timeout when Lander Valley made their run, letting his kids play through the rough patch. And the Broncs responded resolutely in the 4th quarter to put the game away handily.
It was an ugly game to watch at times. Little flow and long stretches with cellophane over the cylinders. But Jackson answered the gut check, and did it on back-to-back nights, to improve to .500 basketball on the season.
Brunner is becoming more of a complete player with every game. The typically single centric baller made at least two nifty feeds to Hanna Saturday when the whole building was sure he was on the way to the rack with me-minded intent.
And when Sebastian’s shot deserted him (usually a cue for him to harm the nearest opponent and put himself into foul trouble) he maintained composure and played for his team.
Hanna finished with a double-double (14 points and 11 rebounds). Brunner pitched in 13 with 3-bombs and scrambly, penetrating drives.
But it was AJ Fowler who made it rain 3s Saturday afternoon. Coach Hatfield has said all along the whipcord sophomore could shoot from distance. He proved that against Lander Valley, pouring in 23—most of that from beyond the arc.
