Brenner, Leyton too much for Bulldogs

With Dylan Brenner scoring early and often to lead a busy attack, the Warriors proved an unpleasant guest as they cruised to a 69-38 victory over Peetz in a non-district game Tuesday night.

Adding to the Bulldogs difficult night was a note of uncertainty over the condition of their leading scorer, Josh Fiscus, who has been hampered by back pain. Before the game Head Coach and Josh's father Bill Fiscus wasn't sure how much he was willing to play his son in a game that had no meaning in the district standings.

"Friday is when it really counts, when we begin our district schedule," Coach Fiscus said before the game. "He's going to suit up and we'll see how he feels."

Though he sat out for longer periods than might otherwise have been expected, Fiscus played significant minutes to lead his team with 14 points. After the game Fiscus said he felt fine once he was able to loosen up.

The Warriors meanwhile had no such issues. Brenner got his night off to a fast start when he returned an offensive rebound back through the hoop. While Fiscus answered with a three pointer, the 3-2 edge was the first and last lead the Bulldogs would have on the night.

In addition to Brenner, Cody McKay proved to be a handful in the first period, as he dropped in 6 points over the eight minute span.

"Actually I think our offense needs a little work," said McKay. "Our defense looks pretty strong though. It looks a lot better than last year."

While an inspired Warriors team was quickly on their way to a 20 point opening frame, the Bulldogs countered with few highlights. Besides the Fiscus three and another one by Casey Barrett, the Dogs could manage only two additional points, on free throws by Fiscus.

Though the Warriors' offense slowed a little in the second quarter, they still extended the lead to 19 points in the waning minutes. Back-to-back three pointers by Alex W. Frerichs and Jared Westman and consecutive shots by Brenner provided the impetus for Leyton.

Corbin Heller prevented the situation from getting any worse for Peetz as he ended the half by scoring the final 4 points.

"We looked upon this game like it was a preseason game," said Josh Fiscus. "We have to play better that's for sure. But I think we've progressed since (last week)."

Westman and Frerichs showed the Warriors momentum had not been slowed by the halftime break as the pair quickly gained back the 19-point advantage. A pair of Fiscus free throws followed but a Brenner three began the slow march to an ever increasing Leyton lead.

Among the few notable moments for the 'Dogs in the third frame was a nice turn-around jumper by Bradey Holtz. He later sank both ends of a one-and-one, but Drew Brenner matched the feat to close the quarter for a 47-25 Leyton lead.

Drew Brenner also closed the scoring for Leyton in the fourth period with a three pointer, but big brother Dylan got most of the attention. Dylan scored 6 points in a final quarter during which the Warriors lit the scoreboard for 22. A fast-break lay up led by Frerichs led to Brenner's first fourth-quarter hoop.

Heller and Cody Wilson each managed a pair of buckets and Barrett hit another three, but it wasn't enough to hold off the Warriors.

Dylan Brenner was the top point getter for Leyton with 21 while McKay and Frerichs each tacked on 10. Drew Brenner added 8 to go along with 7 apiece from Cruise and Westman. Cruise also had 5 assists.

Leyton's defensive leaders included McKay and Cruise with 11 and 10 rebounds respectively. Dylan Brenner with four and Frerichs with three were the steal leaders.

In addition to the the Fiscus 14, Barrett added 9 and Heller 8 for the home side. Defensively, Bradey Holtz and Jordan Nelson picked up 3 steals while Barrett added another.

Heller was the Bulldogs biggest factor on the boards as he pulled down 9 rebounds. Cody Wilson grabbed 5 boards while Nelson brought down 3 apiece.

The Bulldogs begin district play on Friday when they host Pawnee following junior varsity action which begins at 3 p.m. Leyton will take on South Platte on the road the same night at 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball

Leyton 69

Peetz 38