Brownsville’s Thomas, Bogden red-hot in win
ROSTRAVER TWP. – Brownsville continued its quest for the playoffs with a 90-64 route over host Belle Vernon Friday night in Section 3-AAA play. The Falcons were led by Carson Thomas and Mike Bogden, who scored 27 and 23 points, respectively, and seemed to play the first half on auto-pilot. Both were unstoppable from anywhere on the floor.
“We had good ball movement,” said Falcons coach Pete Logan. “We were able to swing the ball to the wings and overload and we got good looks.”
The Falcon first-half shooting was nothing but spectacular and it seemed to be contagious.
“We keep shooting when we’re making our shots and running the floor,” Logan said. “If we’re on, we can be a dangerous team.”
The Falcons came out and set the tone for the game hitting, five three-pointers before freshman Adam Kezmarsky, who finished the night with 12 points, hit a shot inside the arch. Bogden hit three three-pointers and Thomas two. The Falcons continued their hot shooting, ending the first quarter ahead, 28-14.
Not only did the Falcons shoot the lights out, but they played excellent defense. Sophomore Corey Watkins stepped in to start for Joe Cardine, who did not play because of an illness. Watkins was a force underneath, blocking five shots and also contributing 11 points.
“Kezmarsky and Corey (Watkins) played well for us,” Logan said.
The Falcons hot first quarter continued into the second, as they added to their lead by scoring 32 points for a 60-34 lead at the half. Thomas continued his torrid shooting with 12 points in the second quarter, followed by Bogden with eight and Watkins’ six.
The Leopards were led by the first half -hooting of Matt Rowland, who scored eight of his team-high 15 points.
The Falcon bench was also productive, scoring 12 points in the first half. It didn’t matter who was in the game or shooting, the scoring was contagious. Kezmarsky led the way with six in the half but Scott Fraley, John Marshall, and Mike Piccolomini each contributed two when called upon to rest the Falcon starters.
The Leopards ended the night with three players in double figures. Rowland led the way with 15, followed by Jon Murt’s 13 and Mike Davis’ 11.
Belle Vernon coach Phil Stewart was unavailable for comments after the game.