Braves race by Yellow Jackets in opener

Indian Creek fans can expect a variety of tempos this season from the boys basketball team: fast, fast and faster.

That quick pace on both ends of the floor sparked Indian Creek to an early lead and a comfortable 74-48 victory against visiting Morristown in Friday’s season-opener for the Braves.

Indian Creek raced to a 15-4 start in the opening minutes, which gave them a commanding lead virtually before fans had a chance to get settled into their seats. The Braves showed quickness on defense, intercepting a number of Yellow Jacket passes to spur fast-break baskets in the early going.

Indian Creek also demonstrated solid passing, connecting two or three consecutive passes to set up easy baskets in the lane on a number of occasions. This continued into the second quarter, and the Braves stretched their lead to 19 points by halftime.

In all, Indian Creek recorded 20 assists on the night.

The game became a bit sloppy in the second half, but the Braves remained in control throughout the contest.

Indian Creek coach Derek Perry said a quick tempo will be very important for his team this year.

“This is what we’ve stressed from day one of practice,” Perry said. “We have to be quick tempo and we have to be good in transition. That is going to be our identity. High pressure on defense whether in full court or half court and attacking the basket on offense.

“That is who we are.”

On offense, the Braves enjoyed balanced scoring with four players in double figures, including Bryce Hogue with 15 points, Jared DeHart and Dylan Phair with 13 each, and Tim Abel with 12.

Indian Creek also dominated the glass against a Yellow Jackets team that started three freshmen, outrebounding Morristown 37-16. Braxton Zachery led the way with 10 rebounds, followed by Hogue with seven and Pharr with six.

Perry said he thought the team would be good on the offensive end based on how it looked in 21 preseason practices, but he was eager to see them finally perform in game conditions.

“We shared the ball very well, which we’ve done in practice,” Perry said. “I just wanted to see those kinds of things in a game. They were ready; I was ready, and I thought we did a lot of things well.”