The Bryant Hornets (6-4) delivered a dominant performance in their 70-54 victory over the Mater Lakes Bears (2-7) during the opening round of the 2024 Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass tournament. RJ Young stood out as the Central Bank Player of the Game, leading his team with an efficient 30 points on 14-of-19 shooting, including five rebounds and a block.
The Hornets opened the game with precision and control. Young immediately made his presence known with back-to-back field goals, while Camarion Bead’s strong interior play added early baskets. Mater Lakes countered with Tai Bell, who finished as the game’s leading scorer for the Bears with 25 points, including three three-pointers. Despite Bell’s efforts, Bryant ended the first quarter with a narrow 14-13 lead, powered by their efficient 54.5% shooting.
The Hornets took over in the second quarter with a smothering defensive effort, holding Mater Lakes to just four points. Young was unstoppable, scoring six points in the period, while Bead added a highlight dunk and finished the half with 10 points. Bryant's defense forced turnovers and dominated the boards, with Bead grabbing eight total rebounds. At halftime, the Hornets led 33-17, thanks to a 13-2 run to close the second quarter.
Mater Lakes attempted to fight back in the third quarter, finding some rhythm behind Bell’s explosive scoring and Bertran Walthour’s contributions from beyond the arc. Walthour added 10 points overall, including two three-pointers. However, Young and Bead responded with timely baskets, maintaining Bryant’s double-digit lead. Bead's versatility shone as he added a three-pointer and facilitated plays with six assists. The Hornets led 51-38 heading into the final frame.
In the fourth quarter, Young put the game out of reach with a series of layups and mid-range jumpers, scoring eight of his 30 points in the period. Terrance Cochran also chipped in with eight points and two offensive rebounds, while Bead sealed the victory with a fast-break dunk in the final minute. Bryant shot an impressive 60.8% from the field for the game, with their inside presence proving too much for Mater Lakes to handle.
Mater Lakes struggled with rebounding and turnovers throughout the contest, as Bryant outrebounded them 32-18 and capitalized on second-chance opportunities. Despite Bell’s heroics and Khanye Moss’s 16 points, the Bears were unable to overcome their second-quarter drought.
With the win, Bryant advances to the quarterfinals to take on Bryan Station at 4:30pm Friday. Mater Lakes will take on Newport at 4:30pm Friday in the consolation bracket.
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