Bears bounce back with blowout win

SULPHUR BLUFF- The Sulphur Bluff Bears hosted Yantis Friday for their second in a pair of district matches this season. Sulphur Bluff won the first match by a final score of 84-34 back on Dec. 15.

The Bears opened the game, looking for a similar result as their first match, but had a little bit of a hard time getting going. Yantis was able to sore nine points in the opening frame, and Sulphur Bluff led 15-9 heading in to the second quarter.

The second frame is where Sulphur Bluff began to create some separation. Scoring a game-high 22 points in the quarter, the Bears only allowed Yantis to score six points, taking a 37-15 lead at the half.

Sulphur Bluff was able to carry over their strong play into the second half, outscoring Yantis 21–8 in the third quarter. The fourth quarter was the best quarter of the night for Yantis, but the Bears were still able to cruise to an easy 75-35 win.

Montana Hurley was the leading man, posting an impressive 29-point game. Three other players for Sulphur Bluff finished in double-digits, including Brandon Branom who had 16 points, and Dewitt Brookins and Shane Johnson who each had 12 points. Blake Hume had four points in the game, and Landin Dugnolle had two points.

The win gives Sulphur Bluff a 13-9 record on the season and makes them 5-2 in district play. Their 5-2 district record is currently tied for second with Avery.

The Bears will return to action Friday with a road game against Avinger. The junior varsity boys are set to begin at 4 p.m. with the varsity girls and varsity boys teams to follow. The next home game for Sulphur Bluff isn’t until Friday, Feb. 5 against Avery for the girls senior night. That one is set to have the junior varsity girls begin at 4 p.m. with the junior varsity boys, varsity girls and varsity boys teams all to follow.