First-year Cassopolis coach Nat Pittman was concerned about his team’s defense a few weeks ago.

Since that time the Rangers have shored things up at that end of the court, but are now struggling to score.

Bronson used a 12-0 spurt to start Friday night’s non-conference girls game and went on to win 36-26.

“It’s been our problem all year,” Pittman said of the offensive woes. “We’ve got to put the ball in the basket. But I can’t say that they are not working hard or trying. I told them at the beginning of the season it was going to take a lot of hard work. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel and that’s what we are looking for.”

After the Vikings scored the first 12 points of the game, Cassopolis’ Jade Gatson finally stopped the streak with a basket with 1:41 remaining in the opening period.

The Rangers (4-7) would trail by 10 points (14-4) after one quarter and by nine points (18-9) at halftime as both teams struggled to find the hoop in the second eight minutes of action.

After scoring just four points in the second quarter, Bronson continued to be cold from the field despite moving the ball effectively around the perimeter against the Cassopolis defense.

The Rangers outscored the Vikings 8-5 in the third quarter to cut the lead to 23-17.

Bronson used a 6-0 run to begin the final quarter and put the game away.

Skylar Sobeski led the Vikings and all scorers with eight points.

Gatson and Jaleesa Garner both had five points for Cassopolis.

 

BRONSON 36

Kassidy Bystry 2, Kinslea Blouin 4, Amberly Bercaw 7, Kelsey Scheenks 1, Liz Baker 2, Skylar Sobeski 8, Sarah Morgan 4, Kayla Roberts 2, Mallorie Bassage 6. TOTALS: 12 11-21 36

CASSOPOLIS 26

Breanna Coleman 4, Brittney Prestly 3, Jaleesa Garner 5, Devan Hillyer 0, Janye Butts 3, Lorgan Lawson 2, Jade Gatson 5, Jocelyn Transou 4. TOTALS: 10 4-7 26

 

Bronson 14 18 23 36

Cassopolis 4 9 17 26

3-point goals: Bronson 1 (Sobeski), Cassopolis 2 (Prestly, Gatson). Total fouls (fouled out): Bronson 14 (none), Cassopolis 20 (none). Varsity record: Cassopolis 4-7