LCA, Broman Get Win – State Record Up Next

Wes Vork-NSO

For additional photos click here to view our complete photo gallery

Dec 20, 2012

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

Andres Broman told Northland Sports Online after the Lions of Lakeview Christian Academy defeated Duluth Denfeld 77-75, “It’s much better to get the win, records don’t mean much if your team is losing.” The Lions, who were in the midst of a three game losing streak saw themselves looking to rebound Thursday night against the Denfeld Hunters. The Lions did just that in the two point win; and Broman, who was seeking to set the state all-time scoring record, will have to wait until next week when the Lions will play in the Hibbing Holiday Tournament.

With a near capacity crowd at Denfeld High School Thursday fans in attendance were treated to a nostalgic type of game where back in the 60’s and 70’s schools would find the gyms filled each and every game. “We love playing in front of large crowds” Broman stated. “Everyone on the team stepped up tonight and they all made their shots.”

When Broman was asked what he thought about creating the crowds; Broman said “It’s kind of cool to think about when you put it that way. Sure they came because of the record, but they wouldn’t have come to watch if I was out there playing by myself, it’s a team game. The overwhelming support from the community and the entire area has been just great.”

The Lions broke open the game in the first half building up a 38-20 lead as the Lions went on an 18-0 run. The Hunters made a late charge in the half to cut the Lions lead to 45-33 at the break. The Hunters then came on strong in the second half and closed the margin and tied the game at 51-51 with 11:57 remaining.

Down by one at 75-74, they would tie the game when after Marquez Robinson was fouled with ten seconds remaining. Robinson connected on one of two free throws to tie the game at 75-75.

Bjorn Broman was then fouled at mid-court with 8 seconds to play and the normally sure shooting Bjorn Broman missed the front end of a one & one, it was Anders who got the rebound put the shot back up and with four seconds to play. In the process he was fouled and Broman would hit both free throws to put the Lions up by two points and give Anders 35 points on the night.

Head Coach Bob Newstrom noticed the throwback atmosphere and mentioned, “Tonight’s game was a lot like our game last year with East, everyone was loud and enthusiastic; this was a closer game so it made it all the more so.” Newstrom also added “They did a nice job of getting back into the game; they switched from man to man to a triangle and two in the second half and, on offense, did some scoring inside. Our last game we came up one possession short and tonight we had one possession to the positive.”

Broman’s 35 points led all scorers on the night for the Lions. Josh Plys added 18 points for LCA, all coming on three pointers in the victory. Marc Chiu added 12 points for the Lions, who even their record at 3-3.

The Lions will be in action again next Thursday night in the Hibbing Holiday Tournament where the Lions will take on Mesabi East and Broman will go for the all-time state scoring record as he will need only six points to tie Kevin Noreen and 7 to break Noreen’s record of 4086 points for his career.

Duluth Denfeld was led in scoring by Jerome Strother, who finished with 31 tough fought inside points in the loss. Jamarr Harkins added 20 points, and it was Steve Bradshaw who finished with 12 for the Hunters who move to 0-6 on the season. They will be in action next Thursday and Friday in the Grand Rapids Invitational Holiday Tournament.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com