Dragons Come up Short in Sectional Championship

The last time the Silver Creek Dragons faced the Brownstown Central Braves it was ugly for the Dragons. They game was played in Brownstown and the Dragons were never able to get their offense going as they lost this January 17 match up by a score o

f 67-49.

The Sectional Championship game looked like it may be a dejavu moment as the Dragons struggled with their shooting and the Braves raced out to a 13-7 lead at the end of the first. The second quarter, it was the Dragon defense that made it difficult on the Braves. Playing off of that defense it was Dane Caldwell scoring seven points in the quarter as the Dragons played back even on the scoreboard as the half came to a close. The third quarter was played tough by both teams. With less than a minute to play Dane Sprigler buried a triple to give the Dragons a 35-34 lead. This lead would be short lived as the Braves would answer with a three of their won to go back up at the end of the third. Jerron Miles knocked down a three to start the fourth, giving the Dragons the lead at 38-37.

The game would go back and forth with neither team giving in. With the score tied at 44, the Dragons were called for back to back fouls and the Braves knocked down all four free throws to take a four point lead. Brandon Hunter drove strong to the rim making a lay up and getting fouled in the process. He knocked down the penalty shot to draw the Dragons within one at 48-47. The Braves went one for two at the line and Hunter drove hard to the rim again getting fouled. He went one for two cutting the lead to 49-48. The Braves extended the lead to 50-48 on a free throw. Trailing by two with time running out, Hunter had a good look at a three point shot but shot it a little long as the Braves held on two win the Championship. The Dragons ended the season with a 22-5 record. They should return most of the starters and several key reserves as they look to improve upon that record and compete for a sectional trophy again.