The Bonner Spring Braves defeated the Turner Bears 59-56 in a thrilling overtime victory in the sixth annual “Coming Together For a Cure” basketball game. The game was created to bring the Kaw Valley League rival schools together to help raise money for the Susan G. Komen foundation for breast cancer research.
The Bears had a nine-point lead going into the fourth quarter and had lead throughout the game. The Braves were not fazed, however, and started the fourth quarter with an 11-0 run. After trading baskets, the Bears had a three point lead with 13.7 seconds left to play when a clutch three by senior Jordan Jackson tied the game for Bonner to send the game to overtime.
In overtime, the teams continued to trade baskets and the Bears found themselves up by three with 17.6 seconds left in overtime. The ball went back to Bonner and Turner fouled them to protect its three point lead. Bonner senior Zshavon Dotson made both free throws to bring the Braves within one.
On the following possession, the Bears had a costly turnover with 6.6 seconds left. Bonner junior Brenden Dotson got the ball for the last shot, drove the lane, drew a blocking foul, and made the basket with 1.1 seconds left to seal the victory for Bonner.
“It was a hard fought game by both teams, I think we were fortunate to come away with a win,” said Bonner coach Dan Streit, who also had high praise for the Bears. “Turner is a very disciplined ball club and I hope nobody takes them lightly.”
The leading scorer for Turner was senior Paul Berry, who had 21 points and made a good contribution on the rebounding front. Turner also got good production from junior Dewayne Guess, who finished with 10 points.
“I thought we played hard and we played well together,” said Turner coach Rich Sula, “We shared the basketball and I thought our defense played very well, I just wish we would have gotten one more rebound or one more stop late.”
The game was originally scheduled to be played on February 4, but due to the massive snow storm that ravaged the Kansas City area, it was postponed to the 19th.
The victory put the Braves at 6-11 (3-8 Kaw Valley), while the Bears dropped to 3-14 (1-10 Kaw Valley).
Turner will try to bounce back for a late season run with games against Basehor-Linwood, Lansing, and Bishop Ward. The Braves will look to continue their hot streak against Piper, Bishop Ward, and Tonganoxie.
