PURCELL — Bethany junior Malachi Chatman scored 18 points and the Bronchos rallied in the second half for a 63-42 win over 3A Dickson Friday (Jan. 23) to win the Heart of Oklahoma Basketball Tournament.

The Bronchos trailed 25-24 at halftime but unleashed an 18-5 run in the third quarter.

Bethany coach Josh Holliday said the comeback and his team’s performance in the tournament were what his coaching staff preaches.

“We harp on strength in numbers and the value of every possession, along with leaving everything we have out there on the court. That’s exactly what this group did this week,” Holliday said via text.

Chatman’s 18 points came on 7-of-8 shooting from the field. He hit four 3-pointers. Chatman had three rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Holliday said Chatman would be the tournament’s MVP (they didn’t award one).

“Just a resilient showing of his character and growth. (Chatman) didn’t have a great semifinals game, and just responds with a really impressive and efficient 18 points and was making plays all over the floor on both ends! Proud of that kid and this group, we are trending in the right direction.”

Sophomore Breck Brady added 13 points, seven rebounds and an assist.

Fellow sophomore Rhett Brobston had 11 points and two rebounds. Senior Denton Jaggers followed with 10 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a blocked shot.

As a team, the Bronchos shot 57 percent from the field.

UP NEXT

Bethany (15-4) hosts Clinton (4-13) Tuesday (Jan. 27) at 8 p.m. in a Western Athletic Conference contest.

The Red Tornadoes have lost four straight games. Clinton fell to 3A Bethel, 64-54, Thursday at the Cashion County Line Tournament.

Photographs courtesy of Kristie Escoe of Life in Action Photography.

	1	2	3	4	F
Dickson (14-3)	17	13	5	12	42
Bethany (15-4)	9	15	18	21	63