Dyllan Brassfield scored a game high 20 points and the Elmore City-Pernell defense smothered the Ninnekah Owl offense Friday night as the Badgers won their season opener 62-37 on the Owls home court.
The defense played well all night but especially well from the middle of the second quarter on. The defense created offense and a 21-3 run that started in the second quarter and stretched through the middle of the third, turned a one-point game into a rout.
It seemed as if Elmore-Pernell had some first game jitters at the start of the game. Missed opportunities and some turnovers kept the game tight for the first 13 minutes. Ninnekah who has already played four games this season played hard early on and kept themselves in the game as sophomore Matt Creel had 11 of this team’s first 15 points.
With the Badgers trailing 15-14, Jonathan Harrel’s free throw tied the game and Brassfield’s short jumper gave ECP the lead for good. Those two things started the decisive 21-3 run that stretched out over an eight-minute span.
A three pointer by Ninnekah’s Cameron Bickerstaff quieted the ECP crowed for a second. The Badgers scored a 6-2 run to end the third quarter and four straight points to start the fourth quarter gave ECP a 21-point advantage.
Coach Joe Terrell started mixing in subs with starters in the fourth quarter until all his starters found their way to the bench. The substitutes kept pace with the starters scoring a 12-6 run late to push the final margin to 25.
The Badgers will have the home opener on Tuesday as they play host to rival Paoli at the Royce Teakell Gymnasium.
EC 8 12 21 21 - 62
Nin 8 7 9 13 - 37
Elmore City-Pernell — Dyllan Brassfield 20, Jonathan Harrel 10, Colt McConnell 7, Jake Phillips 6, Joshua Terrell 6, Jay Anderson 4, Colby Arie 2, Dillon Medford 2, Tyler Alcorn 2, Dillon Horstman 2, Alex Gonzales 1.
Ninnekah — Matt Creel 18, Brian Burdex 11, Cameron Bickerstaff 5, Kory Pearcy 2, Garrett Daggs 2.
