Burns Broncs go Two and Two in Winter Classic

he Burns Broncs basketball program started the season off with the Burns Insurance Winter Classic Round Robin Tournament. The Round robin tournament is a series of games played without a tournament winner. It is just an event that teams can get together and play ball. The Burns Broncs played against the Torrington Trailblazers, Wheatland Bulldogs, Hot Springs Bobcats and Southeast Cyclones. It was a good tournament for the Broncs Boys Varsity basketball team as they went 2-2 on the day.

The Broncs started the tournament off with the Torrington Trailblazers. It was a close and hard fought battle for the Broncs. They played at both ends of the court hard and came up with big plays when they needed it. Cody Piasecki led the team with 16 points. He made five of 13 shots from the field and six of nine free throws. He was also very active on the floor bringing down four offensive rebounds and four defensive rebounds. Piasecki also was credited with four assists and four steals in the game. Angel Chavez had 10 points in the game hitting four of nine and a pair of free throws. He also had two three-pointers in the game. He was very active pulling down four defensive and four offensive rebounds. Chavez also had two steals and blocked a shot. Jared Allen had nine points in the game hitting three for five in the field. He hit one three-pointer, went two for four at the free throw line and a couple of jumpers. He also had two offensive and six defensive rebounds and one assist. Allen also stole the ball twice from the Trailblazers. Cody Hape contributed seven points on the game. He went three for nine in the field and one for two at the free throw line. Hape also had five rebounds and one steal. Cooper Lakin added six points to the game with two field goals and a pair of free throws. Lakin also had five rebounds with one steal. Ethan Norris added a couple of free throws and some fine defensive work.

As a team the Broncs did very well scoring 54 points. They made three 3-pointers, stole the ball 12 times and pulled down 29 rebounds. The Broncs won the game 54-49.

Next up for the Broncs would be the Wheatland Bulldogs. The Broncs were in a good battle against the Bulldogs. The outcome would not be determined until the final buzzer. The Broncs were able to roll up some impressive points and stats during the game though. Jared Allen hitting the three-point jumper in the second quarter. Cody Hape stealing the ball at half court and taking it down for two. Hape putting the ball back up after his teammate missed the shot. Hape using his leaping abilities and blocking a Bulldog shot. In the third quarter, Carter David nailed a three-pointer. Cody Piasecki getting the fast break for two. Carter David blocking down a shot. In the fourth quarter Carter David and Cody Piasecki both hit threes. It was a sound performance for the Broncs and a good win. They beat the Bulldogs in a close game 47-41.

Leading the way for the Broncs was Cody Piasecki with 19 points. Piasecki went seven of 10 from the floor with one three pointer. He also went four for five from the free throw line. He made six of eight inside the arc. Piasecki also had three rebounds, one assist and four steals. Carter David was on target also with 15 points. David hit five of seven from the field including three 3-pointers. David also had one rebound and four steals. Cody Hape was right there leading the way with six points. He hit three shots from inside the arch. Hape also had three rebounds, two assists, two steals and one blocked shot.

The Hot Springs/Thermopolis Bobcats would be the next team for the Broncs to face. The Bobcats would be much more aggressive and troublesome that the first two games. The team had four steals in the first quarter. Cody Piasecki nailed a three in the first quarter. Carter David added a couple of two-pointers. Mason Medley hit a shot and Angel Chavez hit a free throw. The first quarter ended with the Broncs trailing by one point 10-11. The second quarter had Carter David hitting a three. Cody Piasecki putting up a field goal and three free throws. Angel Chavez hit a bucket and a couple of free throws. The Broncs are unable to contain the Bobcats offense though and enter the locker room trailing 26-34.

The third quarter was close. The Broncs were able to put up 13 points with Cody Piasecki and Cody Hape each nailing three pointers. Mason Medley got his shots in the bucket. But the defense is still not able to contain the high-octane offense of the Bearcats as they are able to score 14 to end the third quarter 39-48. The fourth quarter would be the Broncs worst performance of the game. Chavez was able to get a steal and got fouled on the way to the bucket. He hit his free throws and continued on his defensive rampage. Piasecki nailed a three and blocked a Bobcats shot. With all their efforts the Broncs lost the game to the Bobcats 43-67.

Next for the Broncs would be the Southeast Cyclones. Always tough the Broncs were anticipating a good game with them. The Broncs were slow out of the chute only able to put seven points on the board. Cody Piasecki hit a three and Carter David put up two field goals and that was the scoring for the Broncs in the first. The fast and accurate shooting of the Cyclones was a bit much for the Broncs as they trailed the Cyclones at the end of the first quarter 7-16. The second quarter was better for the Broncs as David put up five points and Chavez put up another five. Hape was able to hit a field goal. It was more than the Cyclones were able to put up as the Broncs defense was able to hold them to only eight points. The Broncs entered the locker room at the half trailing only by five points 19-24

The second half seemed to be all Cyclones. Chavez was the only Bronc to score. He was able to put two threes into the bucket for six points. The defense was off and could not stop the Cyclones, as they were able to score 22 points in the third quarter. The Cyclones were able to hit three 3s and six field goals against the Broncs defense. The fourth quarter saw the Broncs come alive as they put up 10 points. Chavez was able to hit another three and Pablo Dominguez added one of his own. Ethan Norris was able to hit a couple of field goals to round out the scoring. But the Broncs still lost to the Cyclones 35-57.

The Broncs ended the tournament with a 2-2 record and some good practice and learning experiences.

Good luck in the 2022-23 season.