Bryson’s Cowboys got out to a 15-4 first quarter lead Thursday, Dec. 8, but Azle-Christian’s Camden Logan proved to be too much to overcome as the Crusaders fought back to post a 44-33 win.
Bryson drops to 5-6 with the setback while the hosts going to 2-6.
The Cowboys looked to avenge a loss to the Crusaders last year and came out firing, using an 8-0 run paced by Evan Ford and Jameson Pierce three-pointers to take a 13-2 lead. Late baskets by Caleb Allen and Cash Bowen helped the squad lead 15-6 after one.
Logan’s bucket and a Jakob Rollins three-pointer cut the lead to four less than 90 seconds into the second quarter. Logan, a 6’4” senior, helped Azle Christian take a 19-18 lead with 2:08 left in the half. Part of the comeback was due to the Cowboys going ice cold shooting. A Ford three-pointer was followed by nine straight misses.
Allen finished the half strong, closing a 2-13 shooting frame with a nifty putback, to give the ‘Pokes a 20-19 lead at the break.
Bryson went the first 3:40 of the third without a point. Logan, who had 16 first half points, began to get some help with junior guards Drew Skartvedt and AJ Rollins converting three-pointers to put Azle Christian up by eight mid quarter.
Bowen got the visitors back on the board with 4:20 left and added another bucket late. That and a pair of Allen free throws would be the extent of the Bryson offense. Azle Christian used eight points from Skartvedt and seven from Rollins to take a 36-26 lead into the final frame.
The Cowboys made one last gasp, using a Ford three-pointer and Bowen basket to cut the deficit in half with 6:39 left. It would be as close as Bryson would get as the Crusaders went on an 8-0 run over the next 2:50 to lead by 13 and effectively slam the door.
The Cowboys missed their last six shots to finish 13-54 shooting from the field (24%).
Ford paced Bryson with 12 points with Allen and Bowen adding eight points each. Logan had 20 points and Skartvedt 11 for Azle Christian.
Bryson returned home to face Forestburg Tuesday, Dec. 13 (no results available by press time.) The Cowboys will return to the road Friday, Dec. 16 to face Electra.
