Fleming boys basketball reverses its fortunes
After a bit of a rocky start to the winter sports season, with two blowout losses to Haxtun and Belleview Christian, Fleming boys basketball managed to right the ship against Caliche and Flagler, all before dropping another contest to Arickaree.
The Wildcats’ victory over the Buffaloes came as a breath of fresh air — all while perhaps raising the blood pressure of everyone in attendance in the 4645 finale. Throughout that contest, senior David Betley and senior Will Bornhoft took over, scoring 18 and 11 points, respectively. Betley was also solid on the glass, picking up 16 rebounds.
Flagler proved a bit easier to take down, even though the Wildcats had to shake off a slow first quarter before claiming victory.
The Panthers took the lead through the first eight minutes of play but saw their offense peter out over the next two frames to allow Fleming to regain control. In the second and third quarters that saw Flagler put up just six points total, the Wildcats added 14 points to their totals.
The 20-15 lead they clung to heading into the fourth quarter only grew from there as the Wildcats closed out the contest with a 31-21 win. Betley, once again, led the way with 12 points, but freshman Dane Cunningham was right on his heels with another nine points. Junior Travis Johnson made significant contributions in other areas, as he led the team with 10 rebounds and four steals.
Fleming girls set the tone for 2024
Unlike the boys, the girls seemed to have no trouble adding ticks to the win column throughout the first few weeks of the season.
Through their first four contests, their only hiccup came at the hands of Caliche, who edged them out in the final minutes to claim a 43-39 victory. Otherwise, the Wildcats have been able to take down Haxtun (4732), Flagler (51-22) and Arickaree (44-24).