Being a family is what matters to Boyd basketball.
When Ryan Mason named himself head coach of the Boyd boys basketball team, he only had one main goal. He wanted to see the Broncos embrace a team aspect. Boyd has struggled through a 3-15 season, though the group got a big boost with Monday’s 54-51 win over Covenant Academy.
“They have demonstrated the unity of team, no matter the situation they may find themselves in,” said Mason. “We worked on many team-building activities to make sure the boys knew basketball was truly a team sport.”
Mason’s message has been steady since the start, even as the team suffering the growing pains of a young team. The bonding has been buoyed by two captains, Joel Smith and Alden Lawrence, who were voted into leadership roles by their teammates.
The positive vibes were on display in Monday’s big win.
Boyd was able to hold on against the hard-charging Lions, prevailing in the final seconds after two game-sealing free throws from Christian Rogers.
It was a big night for Rogers, who finished with 13 points for the Broncos. Smith was also a breakout performer in the local rivalry, scoring 19 points as Boyd swept the season series against their crosstown foes.
Jalyn Mart added seven, followed by Lane Jones with four. Jamison Brock finished with three points, but they came in spectacular fashion. Brock beat the first-quarter horn with heave from halfcourt, sinking a fadeaway buzzer-beater to give his team an early 21-7 lead.
Jace Oliver and Lawrence also finished with three points in the victory.
Seeing his team persevere as Covenant threatened to steal Monday’s game wasn’t a shock to Mason. His youthful team has responded to challenges all season.
On a roster featuring one senior, the Broncos have relied on younger players since the start. It’s starting to pay off.
“We wanted to teach fundamentals and provide the opportunity to play. We’ve continued to do that,” said Mason. “We went back to the basics – ball handling, free throws, communication, running plays, passing drills and many other valuable skills. We’re continuing to progress and working together. And we’re making sure that we are having fun as well.”
The Broncos ended 2018 and started 2019 on good notes, winning back-to-back games over Highland Rim and Covenant.
Boyd will be back in action next week with a pair of home games. The Broncos are set to face Daniel One Academy Monday, Feb. 4 and Highland Rim Friday, Feb. 8. The games are set to start at 7:15 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively.
