This week in Bison basketball

Playmaker Jordan Canady drives to the goal in heavy traffic. Van’Go’photo VARSITY ACTION

On Friday evening at the BHS gym, the Buffalo Bison were clearly over the doldrums that plagued their last game in the Centerville tourney, as they thundered back on track with a solid win over Onalaska.

In the Varsity contest, Buffalo jumped out to a strong early lead, connecting for 9 points before Onalaska got on the scoreboard. The Bison were playing aggressively on both sides of the ball and when Jordan Canady hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, BHS held a 20-9 lead after the first quarter. The Bison defense denied the Wildcats the inside shot throughout the game, but the Wildcats were able to consistently drain the net on the long shot to stay in the hunt. OHS knocked down four treys in the second period and were able to close the gap to seven at halftime, 30- 23, Buffalo.

Jordan Nix holds his position under the basket. Consistency at the freethrow line helped the Bison improve their advantage in the third and they rolled on to a 63-47 win, despite the Wildcats hitting another four shots from beyond the arc in the final period. Thirty-three of OHS' 47 points came on three-pointers.

Returning to the Bison roster for the first time was senior Micah Burnside-Jones. With height and experience, he proved to be another strong weapon in Coach Warren Ringland's arsenal. Aaron Bell led the Bison scoring with 18 points, followed by Burnside-Jones and Canady with 14 points each. Ryan Read contributed 7, Saxton Sims 6, and Cain Hayes and Creagor Elsom added a bucket apiece. BHS hit 13 of 20 charity shots for 65% at the line.

JUNIOR VARSITY The Junior Varsity Bison men used hustle and a tenacious defense to defeat the younger Onalaska team. BHS led 15- 10 after one quarter, stretched their advantage to 25-14 at halftime, and pulled away in the second half to win the contest 42-24.

Austin Rayborn led the Bison with 12 points. Travis Cunningham scored 9 and Jordan Nix 8. Tate Hartley, Dylan Laningham and Ty Tollett added 4 each, and D.J. Jackson tacked on a free throw.