January 21, 2014 Comets hold off upset-minded Bronchos in first-day finale

John McKelvey The Duncan Banner The Duncan Banner Tue Jan 21, 2014, 08:46 AM CST

VELMA In the final game of the first day of the Stephens County Tournament. the No. 1 seeded host Velma-Alma girls basketball staved off a challenge from the No. 8 Central High Bronchos in a 56-31 victory.

After a tough first quarter, the Comets found their groove and marched to a 15-point lead. However, coach Kenny Bare's team knew it wasn't going to be able to just throw it into cruise control.

"Early in the second quarter, the momentum really switched in our favor," Bare said. "That was what I was afraid of with the lead, you kind of relax and Central's not the team you want to relax on."

Instead the Comets came out determined to join Ryan, Comanche and Bray-doyle on the winners side of the bracket. They got the game under control and were able to substitute some of their bench.

"It was a good evening for the Lady Comets," Bare said.

The tough battle in the first half shows just how deep this girls bracket is. Bare said any of the four teams in the winners bracket have a good chance at winning.

"You have to come out and play some good basketball on Thursday to have a chance Saturday night," Bare said.

The Comets will play Ryan on Thursday at 7:40 p.m

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Comets hold off upset-minded Bronchos in first-day finale