Pirates finish 2-1 in Holiday Classic

The Braden River High boys basketball team posted a 2-1 record to finish fifth in the annual Smoothie King Classic Dec. 28 through Dec. 30, at Bradenton Christian. 

The Pirates opened the tournament with a 66-63 loss to Cape Coral. Holding a seven-point lead at the end of the third quarter, Braden River was outscored 24-14 in the final eight minutes. Tyler Dyson finished with 18 points and eight rebounds to lead the way for the Pirates. Deoni Cason added 15 points. 

On Dec. 29, Braden River rebounded from its tough loss with a 68-52 victory versus The Out-of-Door Academy. Dyson had 12 points and a career-high 22 rebounds. Cason finished with 18 points and senior forward Parker Golemo chipped in with 10 points. 

The Pirates closed out the tournament with a 48-35 victory versus Dixie Hollins in the fifth-place game. Cason had 18 points to lead the way for Braden River. Dyson added 10 points and 10 rebounds. Brandon Dunbar contributed eight points and 13 rebounds. Curtis Cobb added five points and five assists. 

Cason also was named to the All-Tournament team. 

Braden River returns to action Jan. 5, at rival Lakewood Ranch.