By Mike Blake
In a game in which the Broncs hoops team battled and were within range all night, Kern Valley fell to 6-12 overall and 3-7 in High Desert League play after a tough 56-48 loss to Desert (8-8, 5-4 in HDL), January 31, on the Scorpions’ home court.
Led by two underclassmen, the Broncs never gave up and kept it close all game.
Kern Valley boys basketball coach Michael Henson said the boys played a hard- fought game against Desert with (freshman) Shiloh Galvan and (sophomore) Bryce Smoot both playing at high levels to lead the team on the court and on the bench.
“The boys were within eight points most of the game,” said Coach Henson. “Then with about 2:30 left in the fourth quarter, the Broncs tied the score 40-40. We had them on the ropes until Desert made a strong push at the end to win by eight at home.”
Coach Henson praised his team. “I am super proud of the team this year,” he said. “We have had some hurdles to jump through and some close tough games, but the boys are learning and leaving everything they have on the court each game. As a coach, I can see their efforts and that’s all I ask, win or lose, is that we play our best.”
On the stat sheet, Galvan led the Broncs with 13 points, Smoot netted 12 and senior Colton Carver added eight to pace KV. Sophomore Daniel Hinkey scored six, senior Malakai Prock hit for four points, senior Zack Wargo added three and junior Zane Carver chipped in with two. The Broncs sank five from three-point range with Smoot draining two rainbows and Galvan, Hinkey and Wargo each connecting for one.
On the boards, Kern Valley hauled down 50 rebounds, led by Carver with 10, Smoot with nine and Prock with eight. Carver added six, as 10 Broncs were credited with rebounds.
Galvan led the team in helpers with four assists and also grabbed the team’s only two steals. Sophomore Maddox Beaury and Smoot had KV’s two blocked shots.
“Colton and Bryce both almost had double-doubles, while Shiloh Galvan did his thing and led the Broncs in scoring,” Coach Henson said. “Daniel Hinkey has been playing great ball just like everyone else on the team. It’s awesome to see new guys step up throughout the year and improve their game.”
The Broncs took on Rosamond (15-9, 9-1) Tuesday, with results and stats unavailable at press time. KV is set to visit Cal City (11-10, 7-3) Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
