Bears win season opener on the road

DODD CITY - The Sulphur Bluff Bears traveled to No. 16 ranked Dodd City Friday for their season-opening game. The Bears entered the season picked to finish third in District-24A and to make the playoffs.

It was a close affair in the opening half, with the Bears taking a one-point lead into the second quarter. The Bears started to fall behind just a bit in the second quarter, but kept things close, going into halftime trailing 25-21.

The Sulphur Bluff offense came to life in the second half, having their two highest-scoring quarters of the night. The Bears were able to take their lead back, outscoring Dodd City 16-11 in the third quarter to put themselves up 37-36.

The fourth quarter saw much of the same, with the Bears turning their offense up another notch. Sulphur Bluff put up 19-fourth quarter points, and held Dodd City to just 11 points in the frame, winning the game 56-47.

Senior Montana Hurley led the way, putting up 23 points in the nine-point win. Just behind him was fellow senior Brandon Branom. Branom had 15 points.

Junior Dewitt Brookins had a great game as well, posting 14-points in the season-opening win. Shane Johnson also contributed on offense, finishing with four points.

The Bears hope to use the momentum of this huge early-season win, when they host Bland on Friday and travel to Chisum on Saturday. Friday’s home game against Bland will feature the junior varsity boys team beginning at 4 p.m., followed by the varsity girls and the varsity boys.