BETHANY – The Bronchos forced Clinton turnovers and routed the Red Tornadoes for the second time this season, winning the District 7 title in Class 4A’s Area II Friday (Feb. 16).

Bethany (17-7) started fast, getting out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. The Bronchos extended the lead in the second and third quarter as they started knocking down shots and grabbing offensive rebounds.

The turnovers weren’t a surprise to Bethany coach Brett Cannon.

“We wanted to try to speed (Clinton) up a little bit, see if we can get in transition. and see if we can get some early buckets to get our confidence going early” Cannon said. “We got the looks we wanted but we didn’t hit a ton of shots. But, we got some stops defensively.”

Cannon attributed the slow shooting start to the unique start time. Bethany’s boys game with Clinton was moved from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. after the Lady Bronchos’ district playoff game with Clinton was canceled because the Clinton girls team didn’t have enough healthy players.

“It was just a little weird for us,” Cannon said. “It was weird timing and it was a little uncomfortable. But, you know, once we settled in a little bit, we looked back to ourselves.”

Junior Braxton Mullins scored a game-high 17 points, drilling five 3-pointers. Fellow junior Jackson Payne added 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Cannon praised Payne for his play.

“Jackie has been playing lights out for us lately, just as far as leadership goes and just demanding the defensive attention,” Cannon said.

Senior Findlay Neal contributed six points off the bench with two treys in the second quarter. Junior Landon Hess also came off the bench with six points, two treys in the final period.

Bethany was without its leading scorer, junior Aiden Todd, who is dealing with strep, bronchitis and the flu.

“If he can get healthy, you know, that obviously helps us out,” Cannon said.

UP NEXT: Bethany plays the winner of Elk City and Bishop McGuinness in the first round of the regional playoffs at home Thursday (Feb. 22) Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. The Big Elk and Irish play Saturday (Feb. 17).

The Bronchos hosted playoff games last year, something Cannon likes.

“It’s a good atmosphere,” Cannon said.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	F
Clinton	2	4	4	13	23
Bethany	12	11	19	11	53