(New Buffalo, MI) - For a while, the New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball team exchanged leads with their rivals from Bridgman, but the Bees just had too much sting for the Bison.

 

New Buffalo, down by seven points at halftime, wound up losing 66-44 at home on  Tuesday during senior night. Head Coach Nate Tripp said he was pleased with how his players competed against one of the best teams in the region.

 

“It’s OK. Our guys played really well,” he said.

 

The Bison scored five of the first eight points on a short bucket while driving to the rim from M’Nason Smothers and a nothing but net three point shot by Keyon Tomilo.  James Shaw later sank a five foot bank shot just before nailing a three point bucket.

 

Gradually, Bridgman opened up a four point lead but the Bison went ahead again toward the end of the first quarter on a three point shot from Sam Tripp followed by a bucket and free throw from Brysun Perry. The Bees, though, quickly opened a nine point lead in the second quarter.

 

However, the Bison pulled to within five points on buckets close to the rim from Lucas Forker and Trevor James before halftime.

 

The consistently good shooting from all over the court from Bridgman allowed the Bees to extend their lead to 13 points during the third quarter and lock up the victory early in the final period.

 

The loss came after the Bison cruised to victories over Countryside Academy, Howardsville Christian and Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School.  

 

New Buffalo (13-8) will play their last regular season game at River Valley on Friday then open up the District 4 tournament on Wednesday, February 26 at Our Lady of the Lake in St. Joseph. Tripp is hoping for a deep post season run.

 

“We’re ready. We’re playing much better basketball now.  We’re hitting it at the right time,” he said.