Boise Braves Hang Tough on Bumpy District Road
The Boise Braves boys basketball team was on top of the world as they warmed up for their first round 5A District Tournament game on Tuesday February 13th. Maybe the date should have been an omen but not even the most superstitious person in the world could have predicted what was about to happen.
Boise, 19-1 was ranked #1 in the state of Idaho and they definitely outmanned 9-13 Centennial on that fateful opening night of district play. The Patriots simply wouldn't go away and early in the fourth period Centennial led Boise by three and it was about to get worse for the states top squad.
Boise's on court leader, senior guard Paul Pennington drove the lane and went down. He was helped off the court, unable to put any pressure on his injured leg.
While the Boise medical staff worked on Pennington in the locker room another key Boise player went down. Lucas Centeno injured his leg and the medical staff was called out of the locker room to help Centeno off the court. Like Pennington, Centeno was unable to put any pressure on his injured leg.
Now with two key players out of the game, Centennial completed the 50-42 upset and Boise's stellar season was in major trouble.
Despite what appeared to be devastating injuries, Pennington and Centno were able to play just four days later and helped the Braves beat Meridian 73-44 to stay alive for a tournament berth.
Tonight at Eagle High Pennington and Centeno are expected to play again at 6 p.m. when Boise tangles with Borah. It's not the consolation bracket matchup anyone could have imagined. Borah 19-3 against 20-2 Boise. The winner will earn a state berth but the loser will have to play again, just to advance to a state play in game.
This is definitely not the road either team saw them taking in district but as we say too often, it is what it is!
I can't remember the last time two teams with a chance to win a state title had to claw this hard just to earn a tournament berth.
Meantime Rocky Mountain and Mountain View will collide in the 5A District Championship game Friday at 7 p.m. broadcast live on sports radio 630 The Fan.