7A/6A-CENTRAL BOYS

Intense Bryant takes rivalry game to heart

BRYANT -- There's no need for a motivational pregame speech or halftime scream session to manufacture energy when Conway and Bryant get together.

In fact, Bryant boys' coach Mike Abrahamson treats the rivalry game like any other night.

But early in Tuesday's victory over the visiting Wampus Cats, it was clear Abrahamson's Hornets view the rivalry a little differently than their coach.

The Hornets used aggression and intensity to build a 19-9 lead after one quarter, then rode the momentum to a 62-52 victory.

"We do our best to treat every game the same," Abrahamson said. "It's a rivalry that's been established, and it's going to keep going ... we seem to battle them in every sport. As coaches, we try to treat it the same. I guess the kids, they get up for what they get up for."

Romen Martin scored 18 points and Braylon Steen added 10 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Hornets' charge. Bryant improved to 15-3 overall and 5-0 in 7A-6A Central Conference play.

Bryant managed four second-chance points and a pair of three-point plays to take an 18-7 advantage six minutes into the game. The Hornets grabbed four offensive rebounds in the quarter, and a swarming defensive effort led to six Conway turnovers.

"Our guys were really aggressive to start the game," Abrahamson said. "Offensive rebounds and tough with the ball, finishing around the basket. That was good."

Conway (8-9, 3-2) didn't mount a major counterattack in the next two quarters. Bryant's lead never dipped below 10 as it led 33-20 at halftime and 50-33 after three quarters.

The lead topped out at 19 early in the fourth after Martin's fifth three-pointer of the game, but Conway finally made its run. The Wampus Cats scored the next 11 points, and Travis Obannon's three-pointer drew his team to within 53-45 with just under three minutes to play.

But the deficit was too great. Bryant point guard Calvin Allen helped steady the hosts with his ball handling, and the Hornets played turnover-free basketball the rest of the way.

Aside from bragging rights, Tuesday's win means the Hornets have now beaten each of their three Class 7A conference opponents and are guaranteed at least a season split with the trio. But Abrahamson isn't celebrating.

"We know we've got to play them again," Abrahamson said. "All of them. They'll make adjustments, we'll make adjustments, and we'll try to keep going strong."

Kendarious Smith led Conway with 17 points.

Sports on 01/27/2016

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