The 10th ranked Bryan Station Defenders (6-0) cruised to a commanding 72-43 victory over the 5th ranked Newport Wildcats (3-4) in the 2024 Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass tournament, with Amari Owens earning the Central Bank Player of the Game honors for his electrifying performance.
The game started competitively, with both teams trading baskets and defensive stops in the first quarter. Newport’s James Turner opened the game with a strong showing, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds overall, including a dunk and key second-chance points. Meanwhile, Owens began asserting himself for Bryan Station, contributing a three-pointer and a fast-break layup off a steal by Rashaad Faulkner. Bryan Station edged ahead 16-15 at the end of the first quarter, with eight lead changes already setting the tone for a thrilling matchup.
In the second quarter, the Defenders took control. Owens spearheaded a 17-2 run, highlighted by his relentless drives to the basket and a three-pointer assisted by Faulkner. He scored nine points in the quarter, finishing the game with 20 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Bryan Station’s defense clamped down, forcing Newport into seven turnovers in the quarter, including two steals by Owens. By halftime, the Defenders led 40-26, with Faulkner and Taeshawn Adams providing support on the boards and in transition.
The third quarter saw Bryan Station extend their dominance. Owens hit another three-pointer and added a transition layup, while Brunley Fon dominated the paint, scoring 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting and grabbing seven rebounds. Newport struggled to find offensive rhythm, shooting just 30.8% in the quarter, as Bryan Station’s defense continued to smother their attacks. The Defenders outscored the Wildcats 16-8 in the period to take a commanding 56-34 lead.
In the final quarter, the Defenders sealed the game with efficient play on both ends of the court. Adams added a highlight-reel dunk off an assist from Owens, while Fon contributed a putback and another layup to push Bryan Station’s lead to 30 points. Newport’s Turner and Griffin Starks battled valiantly, with Starks finishing with six points and eight rebounds, but the Wildcats were unable to overcome their 23 turnovers and 0-for-9 shooting from beyond the arc.
Bryan Station’s victory was a team effort, with contributions from Adams (11 points, nine rebounds) and Faulkner (11 points, one steal). The Defenders shot an efficient 47.5% from the field and dominated the rebounding battle, 37-34, converting 15 second-chance points. Newport, despite flashes of promise, struggled offensively, shooting just 33.3% from the field and managing only nine second-chance points.
With this win, Bryan Station advances to Friday's quarterfinals where they meet the winner of Bryant (AR) vs. Mater Lakes (FL) at 4:30pm. Newport looks to regroup in the consolation bracket facing the Bryant-Mater Laker loser at 4:30pm on Friday.
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