Braggs- The Braggs Wildcats got off to their usual quick start Friday night to lead after one period 22-7 against the Paden Pirates.

Braggs full-court press got them to a quick 11-0 advantage before Paden adjusted and finished the period 11-7 to get the game a bit closer.

In the second, the Pirates defense picked it up a notch and stayed within 4 points in the period 18-14, but the opening session had them behind 40-21 at the half.

Sam Hensley started out hot in the opening period, scoring 9 points, all 3-pointers, but was stopped later in the game being closely guarded by Paden to finish the game with just 9 points, well below his season average.

Daryl Winter led the way for Braggs scoring 16 points including four 3-pointers. Hazen Edwards was close behind with 14 points on the night. The Wildcats, known for their 3-point shooting, hit the net 16 times from beyond the bonus line.

Trailing by 19 at the beginning of the second half, the Pirates were met with a vicious Braggs defense in the third period forcing turnover after turnover and shutting out the Pirates while scoring 22 points to take a 61-21 lead after three periods.

Braggs slowed the pace in the final session to go on to win the opening game of their regional portion of the tournament 79-32.

For Paiden Cade Cheatwood led the way with 9 points, Alex Fipps had 7 points, and Isreal Pulide finished with 6 points.

With the win Braggs (24-1) will be off until Monday night when they meet the Asher Indians (21-3) in what looks to be a challenging match up. The winner of that contest will be the regional champion and move to the winners bracket in the Area portion of the tournament in Ada, just one win away from a state finals bid.

Asher earned their way into Monday night’s matchup by defeating Smithville (19-6) in their regional semi-final by a score of 51-47

Paden will have another shot at the area tournament Saturday afternoon when they will face Eagletown at 2:30pm.