CEDARVILLE — “This was a big win for us.”
Brimley Bays Coach Reg Robbins' assessment of the basketball team's 74-60 win over their conference rival Cedarville Trojans on Jan. 30 was an apt analysis, as the victory tied the Bays for second place in the Eastern Upper Peninsula Conference.
The Bays jumped off to an early lead in the first quarter and never looked back. Strong turnovers and skillful play pushed Brimley ahead of the wavering Trojans. Cody Robbins was a powerhouse in the period, landing three 3-point shots.
Cedarville attempted to keep the pressure on the Bays, holding the Brimley lead to only four points, trailing the Bays 21-17 at the end of the quarter. However, the Trojans' game collapsed in the second period as Brimley stormed ahead, racking up a score of 31-21 halfway through the quarter.
Brimley did not stop there, though, taking thorough advantage of Cedarville's off night. The Bays allowed the Trojans only six points while doubling their own score in the period, ending the half at 42-23.
Trojans Coach Dave Duncan apparently gave his players some inspiring words during the halftime break, as Cedarville came out of the locker room with renewed resolve. The Trojans in turn doubled their score in the third period, rising to 46 and outscoring the Bays 23 points to 17 and ending the period 59-46 behind Brimley.
The Bays, however, were not about to give up a major conference win. They held Cedarville back by at least 10 points even though the Trojans pushed for a comeback. Brimley rallied on, putting up strong defense against Cedarville, and a free throw shot by Derek Beseau topped off the game for the Bays at 74-60.
Coach Robbins could not hide his delight and relief after the game.
“We've been waiting for this,” he said about the win. Coach Robbins credited tough defense throughout the game for the win.
“We worked hard all four quarters,” he said.
Cody Robbins led in scoring with 17 points, including five 3-point shots. Josh Winkler sank 11 points and a 3-point shot, while Kellen Perron scored 10 points and two 3-pointers. Travis Lynn also landed 10 points, Albert Bertram scored 7, Derek Beseau and Derek “Big D” Parish each scored six, and Jake Parish hit for five.
“Everybody got the touch the ball in the game,” Coach Robbins added, pleased with the consistent scoring by the team.
The win ties Brimley with Cedarville at second place in the EUPC, with undefeated Pickford leading the pack after a 68-46 win over the DeTour Raiders on the same night. Brimley travels to Raider territory on Feb. 3 and then faces Pickford on the Panthers' court on Feb. 10.
